Interpreting Maps

What are Maps?• Maps are Defined as:

– A diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads, etc.• “Dia” Picture• “Gram” Something Written• “Diagrammatic” a Picture that explains rather than

represents

Characteristics of Maps

• Two dimensional• Usually only shows parts of the Earth’s surface

Parts of a Map

• Maps all have certain elements that are important when you read them.

• These elements allow you to understand what is being measured and how it is being measured.

• Time• Orientation

• Date• Author• Legend

• Scale

• Symbols• Index• Grid

• The Title tells you the subject of the map.Gives you insight into what information the map will convey.

• Orientation/Compass Rose- tells you where North is on a map (then you can figure out the other directions) unless otherwise specified North is always up.

• Date– when the map was publishedor– time span represented on map

*Important for accuracy of changing information.

• The Author tells you who developed and published the map.

• The Legend or Key explains what colors or symbols mean.

• Symbols are normally present in the legend/key . They represent information such as capital cities, natural resources or economic activities.

• Scale tells you the ratio of distance between things on a map to the actual, real-life distance between things.

• The Index is a list of names of places listed in alphabetical order that correspond to an alpha-numeric area on a grid.

• Grid- a set of horizontal and vertical lines meant to identify location. – Can be alpha-numeric (think BATTLESHIP) or the lines of latitude and

longitude

Latitude

• Lines of latitude run horizontally, parallel to the Equator (Think of the Equator as Earth’s Waist. Lat Fat)–They are read as North or South of the Equator–For example: 36˚S–The Equator is 0˚

Longitude

• Longitude run from the north pole to the South pole (Longitude lines are LONG)

• They are read in degrees east and west of the prime meridian

• For example: 17˚ E• The Prime Meridian is 0˚

What color represents the highest elevation? What color represents the lowest elevation?

Where did you look to figure this out?

Darker Red

Key/ Legend

What continent does this map show?

Where did you look to figure this out?

Europe

Title

How would you figure out the distance between LA and Boston?

Where would you look and how would you figure this out?

Measuring the distance using the scale

SCALE

What would you use to determine the absolute location of Cape Town, South Africa?

Using the Grid