Map Vocabulary

A symbol that shows directions on a map or globe.

• scale

• map

• globe

• compass rose

A drawing of the earth, or part of the earth, on a flat surface.

• map

• globe

• resource

• compass rose

A 3-D sphere of the entire planet.

• globe

• map

• map key

• compass rose

A symbol that shows what the distance on a map would convert to in real terms.

• resource

• scale

• compass rose

• map title

A type of map that shows where certain natural resources exist in specific areas.

• resource

• political

• physical

• road

This describes the specific purpose, theme, or subject of a map.

• map title

• map legend or key

• scale

• compass rose

Different symbols and what they mean on a map

• compass rose

• map key or legend

• scale

• map title

Cardinal and intermediate directions on a map

• compass rose

• map title

• map key or legend

• scale

This type of map shows locations of countries, states, and/or cities primarily.

• political

• road

• physical

• resource

This type of map is helpful when looking for specific locations while traveling by car.

• road map

• physical map

• political map

• resource map