Map Essentials
Facts about maps p. 3
 Map: a flat representation of Earth
with distortions.
 Distortions: inaccuracy created on a
map because maps are flat & the
earth is round.
 Globe: spherical representation of
earth that shows how the earth really
is.
 Cartographer: map maker
Globe
 More accurate
 Less detailed
 More expensive to
make
 Less convenient
 ZOOMED OUT!
vs.
Map p.3
 More detail
 Easier to carry
 Hold more
information
 ZOOMED IN!
Globes vs. Maps
Creating the chart
 Map Essentials Handout
 Cut and glue onto the Map Essentials
Chart
On page 5 of your composition notebook draw a table like below:
**The table needs to be big enough to fit in the mini map essential
pictures! (Take up the whole page)
If you have extra time, start filling in the chart with your own
description!
Map Essential
Tool ( Picture)
Title
Compass Rose
Scale
Legend/Key
Locator Map
Description/Purpose
Five Map Essential Tools
 Title: tells what the map is showing.
(look here first to gather information)
 Map of US states and capitals
Compass Rose:
 shows direction on a map
cardinal directions-N, S, E, W
intermediate directions-NE,NW,SE,SW
Scale:
 measures distance on a map.
Legend/Key:
 shows what symbols and/or colors on
a map mean.
Locator Map:
 shows where in the world the area on
the map is located.
For each tool:
 Write a sentence describing how you
would use each of the map tools in
the box beside the tool.