Using Maps and Globes
Study Guide-Test on Tuesday, January 15th
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A globe is a round, 3 dimensional model of the Earth. It is used to find the location of places
around the world.
A map is a flat 2 dimensional representation of any place and shows where different places are
located.
A globe is a more accurate representation of the Earth than a world map. This is because a world
map is distorted. Because the globe is 3 dimensional, the shape of the continents changes when
it is flattened. (Think of the video we watched about the student trying to flatten an orange peel.
It couldn’t be done without the peel ripping!)
Maps include a variety of features depending on their purpose. For example, a road map may
be placed on a grid to make locations or street names easier to find.
Feature
Compass rose
Scale
Map key
Grid
What is it?
A symbol that shows the cardinal
directions north, south, east, and west.
It may show the intermediate directions
northeast, northwest, southeast, and
southwest.
How It’s Helpful
A compass rose can tell us which
direction to travel when getting from
place to place.
A tool used to measure distance on a
map compared to the distance in the
real world. It may look like a mini ruler
at the bottom of the map.
A scale helps us with planning trips. It
shows us how far apart places are on a
map in the real world.
A guide that shows what the symbols on A key is a guide that tells us what the
a map that represent.
mini pictures are in real life. A blue
circle on map could represent a pool,
lake or an exhibit. Check the key!
A system of lines that divides a map into
parts. It can be read using the columns
and rows.
A grid can make it easier to find a
place on a map with many features.