Using MapsUsing Maps

Social Studies UnitSocial Studies Unit

44

What are cardinal directions?

• North,South,East, and west are the main directions, or cardinal directions.

How do you use a compass rose?

• A compass rose is a small drawing on a map that can help you find directions.

• Cardinal directions are sometimes written as N, S, E, and W.

What are intermediate directions?

• Notice the spikes between the cardinal directions on the compass rose. These show the intermediate directions, or in-between directions.

• The intermediate directions are northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest.

Why do these maps have titles?

• When using a map, first look at the map title. The title names the area the map shows. It may also tell you the kind of information shown on the map.

Why do maps include symbols?

• A symbol is something that stands for something else.

• On a map common symbols include dots, lines, triangles, and colors.

How can you find out what map symbols stand

for?• Often the same symbol stands for

different things in different maps. For this reason, many maps include a map key. A map key gives the meaning of each symbol used on the map.

Vocabulary you need to know!

• cardinal direction• compass rose• intermediate direction• symbol• map key

Click on the picture to view different maps!