Documents  
Introduction to Maps   
This guide introduces maps and covers resources on how to read a map, the components of a map and how to cite a map. It also includes links to further resources.
Author:
Kathryn Lage, University of Colorado at Boulder
Date Posted:
12/22/07

Overview of Maps

What do Maps Show?

http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/mapsshow.htm

 

This U.S. Geological Survey website provides comprehensive introduction to maps. Aimed at teachers of upper elementary or junior high students, but useful for anyone new to maps.

 

The packet is divided into four lessons:

  • Introduction to Maps
  • Some Things You Need to Know to Read a Map
  • What You Can Learn From a Map
  • How to Read a Topographic Map.

 

Reading Maps

http://geodepot.statcan.ca/Diss/Reference/Tutorial/RM_tut1_e.cfm

 

This tutorial from Statistics Canada Census Geography includes clear illustrations and brief, easy-to-read explanations of the aspects of reading a map.

 

Map terms and concepts

Clear, informative articles on latitude and longitude and other mapping concepts, at the Nationalatlas.gov™ website:

http://www.nationalatlas.gov/articles.html#map.

 

Elements of a Map

 

Projection & Coordinates

A map projection is a mathematical model used to represent the curved surface of the earth on a flat map.

  • Map Projections poster, from the U.S. Geological Survey

http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/MapProjections/projections.html

This website covers the characteristics and preferred uses of commonly used and historically important map projects. Includes example illustrations of each projection and a glossary of terms.

 

  • “Map Projections: From Spherical Earth to Flat Map”

http://www.nationalatlas.gov/articles/mapping/a_projections.html.

This website provides an article explaining map projections from Nationalatlas.gov™

 

Scale

  • The scale of a map tells the user how the distance on the map relates to distance on the ground.

 

  • Scale is expressed as a
    • Representative fraction

1:63,360

  • Verbal scale

1 inch = 1 mile

  • Bar scale

from U.S. Geological Survey. 1981. Arctic (B-5) Quadrangle
Alaska—North Slope Borough. 1:63,360. Series (Topographic)

 

 

Legend

  • The legend, also called the “key,” explains the symbols used to represent features on the map.

 

 

 

Features

  • Features are the items displayed on a map. Which types of features are displayed on any map is dependent upon the type and purpose of the map. A geological map may show rock types and ages and faults, while a road map will show populated places (cities, towns, and villages), roads and highways, administrative boundaries, and possibly other features such as bridges or railroad crossings, rest stops, or physical features such as mountains or rivers.

 

Citing Maps

  • Citing a map is similar to citing a book, journal article, or other reference. The format of a citation will vary depending on the citation style used, but there are important elements specific to maps that should be included in any map citation (in bold, below):
    • Author
    • Title of map or sheet title (followed by “[map]” in some citation styles
    • Edition
    • Scale
    • Map series and number (if applicable)
    • Place of publication
    • Publisher
    • Date

 

 

 

Further Resources

 

 

  • Other Resources
    • Monmonier, Mark S. 1991. How to lie with maps. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
    • Wood, Denis, and John Fels. 1992. The power of maps. Mappings. New York: Guilford Press.


               


Contribute to this topic
Do you have an article, presentation, or other content to share on this topic?
You can post it on this topic page. Find out more about submitting documents in the Member Center.
Ratings You must be signed in to rate this item
Average (0 Votes)
Comments