Map Essentials Coach Novsek

Maps are like messages sent out in code

Map makers give us several features to help us read them or “crack the code”

Most maps will usually contain 4 features

Maps

Tells us the subject of the map we are looking at

1. Title

Arrows that point to all four principal directions

Shows us which way is North, South, East, West

Tells direction

Remember north is not always at the top, depends on the map maker

2. Compass Rose

Tells us distances between points on a map Usually in miles or kilometers Use something that is the same length to help

find the real distance

3. Scale

Or KEY, explains what the symbols on the map represent

Examples: Different colors, lines that represent roads

4. Legend

Shows where in the world the area on the map is located

5. Locator Map (not always used)