Interpreting maps

Interpreting maps

• 1.
  Interpreting Maps
• 2.
  What are Maps? •Maps are Defined as: – A diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads, etc. • “Dia” Picture • “Gram” Something Written • “Diagrammatic” a Picture that explains rather than represents
• 3.
  Characteristics of Maps •Two dimensional • Usually only shows parts of the Earth’s surface
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  Parts of aMap • Maps all have certain elements that are important when you read them. • These elements allow you to understand what is being measured and how it is being measured. • Time • Orientation • Date • Author • Legend • Scale • Symbols • Index • Grid
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  • The Titletells you the subject of the map. Gives you insight into what information the map will convey.
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  • Orientation/Compass Rose-tells you where North is on a map (then you can figure out the other directions) unless otherwise specified North is always up.
• 7.
  • Date – whenthe map was published or – time span represented on map *Important for accuracy of changing information.
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  • The Authortells you who developed and published the map.
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  • The Legendor Key explains what colors or symbols mean. • Symbols are normally present in the legend/key . They represent information such as capital cities, natural resources or economic activities.
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  • Scale tellsyou the ratio of distance between things on a map to the actual, real-life distance between things.
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  • The Indexis a list of names of places listed in alphabetical order that correspond to an alpha-numeric area on a grid.
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  • Grid- aset of horizontal and vertical lines meant to identify location. *can be alpha-numeric (think BATTLESHIP) or the lines of latitude and longitude
• 13.
  What color representsthe highest elevation? What color represents the lowest elevation? Where did you look to figure this out?
• 14.
  What continent does thismap show? Where did you look to figure this out?
• 15.
  How would you figureout the distance between LA and Boston? Where would you look and how would you figure this out?
• 16.
  What would youuse to determine the absolute location of Cape Town, South Africa? Why would you use this?