Understanding Maps: The Language of Geography

Essential Question and Ideas How do maps help us to represent geographic information? Different types of maps are used to show a variety of different information. Maps can be used to answer geographic question, infer relationships, and analyze change.

What is a Map? Flat , two-dimensional representation of space. Maps help geographers show how places are influenced by their location and how different places affect each other. Maps are used to answer geographic question, make connections and analyze change.

How to read a Map Title: Describes the information the map present Legend: List the symbol used on the map. Compass Rose: Shows the four basic directions Scale: Used to show how much a map has been reduced.

 

Types of Maps

Political Map Show Countries States Capitals Other Cities

Physical Map Identify features of Earth’s surface: Mountains Plains Bodies of Water

Topographical Show Shape Elevation

Thematic Maps Helps you understand: World People Culture

Historical Illustrates the past

Road & Navigation Helps you find your way.

Longitude Imaginary lines that run up and down the earth Splits the Earth into Western and Eastern Hemipheres Prime Meridian is the most important longitude line Geographers use “E” or “W” to show if the line is east or west of the Prime Meridian

Longitude

Latitude Imaginary horizontal lines that run parallel across the earth Splits the earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres The equator is the most important Latitude line Geographers use “N” or “S” to show if the line is north or south of the equator.

Latitude