Parts and Types of Maps

Title

tells you what the map is about and what you can expect to learn from the map

Key/Legend

explains the symbols, colors, and lines on a map

Map Scale

shows the ratio between distances on a map and distances on the earth

Compass Rose

A tool on a map showing cardinal (N,E,S,W) and intermediate (NE,SE,NW,SW) directions.

Political Map

a map that shows the names and borders of countries, states and cities

Physical Map

a map that shows land and water features, such as mountains and rivers

Symbols

pictures on a map that represent something in the real world

Labels

words that explain something on a map

Coordinate Grid

lines that make rows and columns, dividing the map into spaces; often, latitude and longitude are used to create the grid on a map

Climate Map

Maps that show the weather patterns like temperature and rainfall in an area

Road Map

Shows major highways, airports, cities, railroad tracks, and local points of interest

Topographic Map

A map that shows the surface features of an area, especially the elevation of the area

Economic/Resource Map

features the types of natural resources or economic activity that dominates an area