What is an Atlas?

An atlas is a reference tool used to learn about the

world. It is a book of maps and

information about countries. The name atlas comes from the

Greek god Atlas, who was so strong that he was able to carry the world on

his shoulder.

Give students time to browse in atlas.

Ask them to look for:

1. Table of Contents2. Indexes

Let’s review some map components ….

TitleScaleCompassKey or LegendMap Coordinates

or Grid

A compass is a tool that helps the user know what A compass is a tool that helps the user know what direction one is headed. direction one is headed. The compass shows the directions on a map: north, south, east, and west. On a map, a compass or a compass rose helps the On a map, a compass or a compass rose helps the

user locate these directions.user locate these directions.

A map can never show you everything. Mapmakers have to choose the most important things to show. They use symbols to fit in more information and to make maps quicker and easier

to read. The legend is the key to unlocking the secrets of a The legend is the key to unlocking the secrets of a map. Objects or colors in the legend represent map. Objects or colors in the legend represent such features

as highways, small roads, campgrounds, and rest areas on the on the map.map.

Let’s review how to read map

coordinates using this map.

Mrs. Wright’s cabin

The Table of Contents of our atlas divides the

world into continents. Under each continent is

listed the countries on that continent and the page number you turn to for a map of that country.

What page would we turn to for a

map of the state of Georgia?

Find the legend for this map. What

information does it give you?

What is the capital of Georgia?

The map coordinates for

Ringgold are 2 - A

Can you find Ringgold on your

map?

The World Almanac Atlas of the World has

two indexes.

• begins on p. 108

• lists countries and places in alphabetical order

• gives map coordinates for a location on a map & the page number of the map

The first index is the World Index which ….

Grid coordinates Page number on which the map is

located.

When reading the atlas index …..

Question: In which country is Rio de Janeiro?

Question: What is the capital of Fiji?

Suva

Brazil

• begins on p. 178

• States organized alphabetically

• Cities within state in alphabetical order under the name of state

• At the end of each state is listed “other features” such as rivers, lakes, and monuments.

The second index is the State Index which …

Question: What is the capital of North Dakota?

Bismarck

What states form a border with the state of Oregon?

Washington State, Idaho,

California, and Nevada

In what state is the Mojave Desert located?

California

The atlas is a reference source we use when we need to find out information about countries and places in the world.