Maps and Map SkillsMaps and Map Skills

U.S. HistoryU.S. History

What is a map?What is a map? A map is a graphic representation of A map is a graphic representation of

a part or all of the Earth’s surface.a part or all of the Earth’s surface.

Shows us physical and political Shows us physical and political features of the Earth.features of the Earth.

Can also show us information such as Can also show us information such as population density or climate.population density or climate.

Parts of a MapParts of a Map Compass Rose- shows direction on a map.Compass Rose- shows direction on a map.

Scale- shows what a distance on a map is actually Scale- shows what a distance on a map is actually equal to on Earth.equal to on Earth.

Key- tells us what the map symbols mean.Key- tells us what the map symbols mean.

Different Types of MapsDifferent Types of Maps Physical MapsPhysical Maps

• Shows features Shows features such as mountains, such as mountains, plains, rivers and plains, rivers and oceans.oceans.

• Focus is on natural Focus is on natural features and not features and not cities, countries, cities, countries, and borders.and borders.

Different Types of MapsDifferent Types of Maps Political MapsPolitical Maps

• The focus is on The focus is on cities, countries, cities, countries, states, and borders.states, and borders.

Thematic MapsThematic Maps• These maps focus These maps focus

on specific on specific information such as information such as population density population density or resource or resource distribution.distribution.

Different Types of Maps Different Types of Maps Historical MapsHistorical Maps

• Shows how a Shows how a certain area has certain area has changed over time.changed over time.

• Shows what a Shows what a certain area used to certain area used to look like.look like.

Different Types of MapsDifferent Types of Maps The GlobeThe Globe

• A globe is usually A globe is usually the most accurate the most accurate representation of representation of the Earth because it the Earth because it is round like the is round like the Earth.Earth.

• A globe shows us A globe shows us the truest sizes of the truest sizes of land and bodies of land and bodies of water.water.