Introduction to Maps

Introduction to Maps

World Geography

What are maps?

​A map is...

• Definition: "a symbolic representation of selected characteristics of a place, usually drawn on a flat surface" (NatGeo)

• Purpose: Maps "teach about the world by showing sizes and shapes of countries, locations of features, and distances between places" (NatGeo)

• Vocabulary: Spatial Distribution: the study of the relationship between objects in physical space

What do we use maps for?

1. Navigation: Maps guide us in finding our way, whether on land, sea, or air

2. Visual Representation: They simplify complex geographic data, showing country sizes and distances.

3. Historical Insights: Historical maps reveal past property ownership and community relationships

4. Spatial Analysis: Maps help identify patterns and aid decision-making

5. Inspiration: Throughout history, maps have inspired wxploration and learning

• Physical

• Political

• Climate

• Resource

• Historical

• Road

• Economic

• Etc.

​

​Types of Maps

Multiple Choice

What is a map?

• A 2D way of showing the 3D earth

• a round circle

• The object used to show directions

• The imaginary lines that run through earth

What is a compass rose?

• A compass rose is one of the key elements of a map

• Definition: A compass rose is a tool that shows the four cardinal directions

• A compass rose must be on every map and will show a maps orientation

​

​A compass rose is...

• A compass rose will show you the four cardinal directions on the map

  • North

  • East

  • South

  • West

​

​Purpose of a Compass Rose

Multiple Choice

What is a compass rose?

• half of a circle that helps people find angles

• a drawing showing different directions on a map

• a device with a magnet that always points North

• a pretty flower on a map that is red

Multiple Choice

What cardinal direction goes in the yellow box?

• east

• west

• south

• north

Multiple Choice

What cardinal direction goes in the yellow box?

• north

• south

• east

• west

Multiple Choice

What cardinal direction goes in the yellow box?

• northeast

• southwest

• north

• south

Multiple Choice

What cardinal direction goes in the yellow box?

• west

• east

• southeast

• northwest

Multiple Choice

California (CA) is ______ of
Colorado (CO).

• East
• Southeast
• West
• North

Multiple Choice

Michigan is _________ of Wisconsin.

• North

• South

• East

• West

Multiple Choice

Which state is west of Nevada?

• Utah

• California

• Idaho

• Arizona

What are map symbols?

• Map symbols are used to represent and distinguish features on a map

• Symbols could represent:

  • Bathrooms

  • Parks

  • Stadiums

• The definition of these symbols can be found in the map key/legend

​Map symbols are...

Multiple Choice

What does a map key tell us?

• What the map is about

• the four main directions

• What the symbols, pictures, and colors on the map mean

• The distance between two locations on the map

Multiple Choice

Which symbol represents dairy?

Multiple Choice

What industry can be found near Austin?

• Natural gas

• Oil

• Computers

• Chemicals

Multiple Choice

In which part of Texas does the map shoe that fruits are grown?

• West

• East

• North

• South

Multiple Choice

According to the legend, the CIRCLED STAR represents

• National Capital
• State Capital
• City
• County

Multiple Choice

Locate Georgia! The city of Atlanta has a star next to it which identifies it as…

• National Capital
• State Capital
• City
• County