Map Essentials

Tools the Geographers Use

The tools that Geographers use most often in
their work are Maps and Globes.

A map is a flat drawing that shows all or part of

Earths surface.

the entire planet.

A Globe is a spherical, or ball-shaped model of
Maps vs. Globes
maps Globes
Flat Round

Distorted More Accurate

Easier to work with Tougher to carry around

Show more detail Show larger areas

Less Expensive More Expensive

Can represent more information Prettier?

Satellite Imagery
Satellites gather information in the form of
IMAGES.

Computer programs allow geographers to create,

update, and compare maps.

Also are used to record Data

Example: Population Maps
Items Maps should Have:
1.) Compass Rose

2.) Scale

3.) Legend
Showing Direction
A.) A directional indicator shows
which directions are N,S,E, and W.

B.) Some Mapmakers use a North

arrow to point to the North pole

C.) North is Not always at the top of

a map. It depends on the
perspective of the mapmaker.
The Compass Rose
A.) There are TWO arrows that
point to all four Cardinal
directions.!
B.) The arrows in between (NE,
SE, NW, and SW) are called
Intermediate directions.!
C.) The ARROWS IN BETWEEN
(NNE, SSE, SSW, WNW, NWW)!
ARE called Secondary !
Intermediate directions!
The Compass Rose
The Compass Rose
Remember Kids:
Never
Eat
Soggy
Waffles
Scale
A. Scales represent distances b/w points
on a map.
1.) SCALE Distances are accurate all over the map
B. Distance is represented in various units of
measurement (Miles, Kilometers, Meters)
C. Not all maps have the same scale.

TURN TO PAGES R38 AND R39

Legends
. Legends are
A
Sometimes
known as map
Keys.
Legends
B. They explain what the
symbols on the map
represent.
C. Legends can show economic
resources, land use,
population density, and
climate.