Parts of a map Flashcards
North Arrow
The purpose of the north arrow is for orientation.This points in the direction of north on the map. It is also known as the Compass Rose.
Title
The title, also called the heading, of a map is typically found at the top of the map. It tells you exactly what the map is showing. The title will be in a large font and describe in detail what the map is for. This identifies the theme and geographic area.
Legend
A legend tells a map reader the meaning of the symbols used to represent features on the map.
Scale
The scale indicator, or scale, tells you how a unit of measurement on the map relates to units of measurement in real life.
Grid
A map’s grid is a series of imaginary horizontal and vertical lines drawn onto the map. These lines may represent actual latitudes and longitudes or they may just split the map into smaller parts
Labels
Identifies objects on a map, for example, names of cities and countries.
Latitude & Longitude
Lines of latitude run in an east-west direction (horizontal) across Earth.
Lines of longitude run in a north-south direction (vertical).
Equator
The equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth at the midway point between the North and South Poles.
Meridian
The Meridian is an imaginary north–south line on the Earth’s surface that connects the North and South poles.
Direction
The four cardinal directions are: North, South, East & West.Direction is shown on a map by using a compass rose.
WHAT ARE MAPS?
Maps are graphic or visual representations of what is happening on Earth.
What can maps be used to show?
Where countries or cities are located
To illustrate physical features such as water bodies or landforms
To show the spread of diseases
To illustrate how climate change will affect different parts of the world.
Maps use____,____ and ____ to tell their story.
Maps use colour, symbols and labels to tell their story.
