Map Skills Lesson

Fill in the Blanks

Multiple Choice

The seals are South or East of the elephants?

• South

• East

Multiple Choice

What animal exhibit is NORTH of the Snack Shop?

• Penguins

• Giraffes

• Zebras

• Peacocks

Multiple Choice

Which direction would you travel to go from Washington to Oregon?

• North

• South

• East

• West

Multiple Choice

What is located south of Grove and west of School Streets?

• A diner

• A food store

• A bank

• A school

Map Title

The title of a map tells you what subject matter the map highlights.

Multiple Choice

The title of this map is _________.

• States of New Hampshire and Vermont

• "States of New Hampshire and Vermont"

• "Vermont and New Hampshire"

Map Scale

The scale of a map shows you how much distance in real life is represented by specific lengths on a map.

Fill in the Blanks

Compass Rose

Most of the time, the upper edge of a map will be north. Check for a compass inset to be sure.

Open Ended

If the upper edge of a map is north, what direction is the lower edge?

Map Legend or Key

The legend or key on a map shows you what different colored lines and symbols represent.

Multiple Choice

What color line are roads and highways marked in?

• blue

• green

• red

• rainbow

Multiple Choice

What does a circle represent?

• state parks

• city or town

• wildlife refuge

• airport

​Physical Maps

​Physical maps focus on landforms and elevation. They show mountains, plateaus, rivers, deserts, and any other types of geographical features. Cartographers often use brown, green, or gray color schemes to represent the various physical features and elevations. 

​Physical Maps

​Many physical maps have a key showing color changes and elevation. On this map, the darker blue represents deeper water and the darker brown represents higher elevations.

​Political Maps

​Political maps focus on boundaries between places such as countries, counties, states, provinces, or regions. They may also show major cities, towns, and settlements depending on the purpose of the map.

Physical and Political Maps