GR 4 CW LN 8 Understanding Maps
GR 4 CW LN 8 Understanding Maps
1. Vocabulary:
a. compass
b. legend
c. Thematic map
d. Political map
e. Physical map
f. directions
2. What is a Map?
A map is a symbolic representation of selected characteristics of a place, usually drawn on a flat surface. Maps present
information about the world in a simple, visual way. They teach about the sizes, shapes of countries, locations of features and
distances between places.
Eg. A map can show exact locations of houses and streets in a city neighbourhood.
4. What is compass?
It is an instrument used to find out main directions. Its magnetic needle always points towards north-south direction.
5. What is an Atlas?
When many maps are put together we get an Atlas.
Political Map: for a country- It shows political features, capital cities and major towns etc.
Physical Map: for a country- It shows physical features, major landforms like mountains, rivers and oceans etc.
Thematic Maps: for a country – It shows specific features of an area such as rainfall, vegetation and mineral deposits etc.
Conventional Symbols and Signs: It shows different features on a map but is not drawn to scale. Symbols can be used to
depict features like cities, roads and railways etc.
Legend or Key: A key or a legend is a list of symbols that appear on the map. The key is part of the map legend. The key
explains the symbols while the legend holds the key and other information.
Scale: all maps are models of reality. A map’s scale indicates the relationship between the distances on the map and the
actual distances on Earth. This relationship can be expressed by a graphic scale, a verbal scale.
Graphic sale or bar scale: looks like a ruler, a line marked horizontally in miles, or some other unit measuring distance.
Verbal scale : is a sentence that relates distance, like for example, “one centimeter represents one kilometer”
Cartographer: a person who draws or produces or makes map.
Cartography: The art of map making.
Cardinal directions: North, South, East and West.
Intermediate directions: northeast(NE), southeast(SE), southwest(SW) and northwest(NW)