Map Skills

Types of Maps Physical maps Political maps Special purpose maps

Physical Maps show features of the landscape like mountains, valleys, plains, deserts, rivers, etc.

Political Maps show boundaries and borders of states, countries, and cities may change over time

Special Use Maps Show specific information such as roads, historical information, natural resources, climate, land use or population distribution

Land Use Map

Climate map

Population Density

Road map

Elements of Maps Compass rose Map key Map scale Latitude and longitude

Map Directions (Compass Rose) Cardinal Directions Intermediate Directions

Map Key or Legend Tells what the symbols or colors stand for on a map

Map Scale Comparison of actual distance on the ground to the distance between places on the map

Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and Longitude Latitude – lines that run horizontally around the earth and measure distances north and south of the Equator Longitude- lines that run vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole and measure distances east and west of the Prime Meridian