Ch.1 Parts of a Map/Types of

Maps!

Maps/Globes Globe: A round model of the Earth that

shows its shape, lands, and directions, as they truly relate to one another

Map/Map Projection: A flat drawing of all or part of the Earth’s surface. Cartographers, or mapmakers, use mathematical formulas to transfer information from the round globe to a flat map.

Title

The title tells you what information the map is showing

Key (Legend)

The key explains the symbols, colors, and lines on the map.

Scale BarA scale bar helps you figure

distance on the map. The map scale shows the relationship between map measurements and actual distances on the Earth.

How do I use a Scale Bar?

The scale bar tells you how many kilometers or miles are represented in a given length. You can use a ruler or basic math to calculate distance based on the bar’s length.

Let’s calculate distance like we would in math class!

Problem: Miss. D REALLY wants to visit the

Adventure Science Museum in Nashville. The scale on Miss. D’s map of Nashville says 1inch = 5 miles. She took out her ruler and measured her map and saw that It was about 6inches from her house. Using the scale, how many miles is Adventure Science Museum from Miss. D’s house?

Now you try a few…Directions: Use the map & scale on page RA2 of your text book to Calculate the distance in miles between:

- Sao Paulo & San Francisco

- Los Angeles & Medellin

- Omsk & Beijing

Answers 8,000 miles+/- 4,000 miles 4,000 miles

Compass RoseThe Compass Rose is a

symbol that tells you where the cardinal directions- North, South, East, and West, are positioned.

Cities

-Cities are symbolized by a solid circle -This symbol is found in the key and on the map.

Capitals Capitals are symbolized by

a star

This symbol is found in the key and on the map.

Boundary LinesBoundary Lines show

the extent of an area’s territory or political influence.

Types of Maps

What are some differences between the World Map on our Wall and the map on page 3 of your text book?

General Purpose Maps

General Purpose Maps are maps that show a wide range of information

Examples: Physical & Political

Political

Physical

Special Purpose Maps Maps that are made to present

specific types of information in great detail. Special Purpose Maps are also called thematic maps.

Topics: Climate, Vegetation, Natural Resources, Population density, historical expansion.

Historical Maps

Show events that occurred in a region over time.

Historical Map

Contour Map A contour map has contour

lines- one line for each major level of elevation. All of the land elevation is connected by a line. These lines usually form circles or ovals-one inside the other. If contour lines are close together, the surface is steep. If the lines are spread apart, the land is flat or rises gradually.

Contour Map

Vegetation MapsVegetation Maps are

special purpose maps that show the different types of plants that are found in a region

Vegetation Map: Africa