Geography Basics

Types of Maps• Thematic – has a subject or theme

• Reference – Political/PhysicalShows political boundaries

Shows natural features

Basic Map Skills• Compass Rose – shows map orientation

4 point 8 point 16 point

• Key/Legend

Map SymbolsAll symbols used on a map should be included in the Key/legend.

International Symbols

ERA/DATE• ERA – a fixed point of time from which years are counted– Spanish Colonial Texas– Mexican National Texas – Revolution and Republic of Texas – Early Statehood of Texas– Texas and the Civil War and

Reconstruction

Latitude/Longitude(distance on the earths surface measured in degrees)

Hemispheres

Location• Absolute location – exact position on the Earth’s

surface using Latitude and Longitude.– The Woodlands, Texas is 30°N and 95.4°W

• Relative location – location of a place in relation to other places. Key words to use.– North, South, East or West of– Between– Next to

• Houston, TX is southeast of Austin, TX