You know about symbols, the map key and colors. Now let us meet all the parts that help a map do its job.
Key idea
Most maps have four helpers: the title (what place), the key (what the symbols mean), the compass rose (which way) and the scale bar (how far).
- Title: the name at the top. It says "Maple Town."
- Map key: the box of symbols and their names.
- Compass rose: the star with N, E, S and W.
- Scale bar: the little ruler at the bottom. Here it shows 2 blocks.
Why it works
A map is a message from the mapmaker to you. Each part answers one question you might ask: What place is this? What does that little picture mean? Which way is north? How far is it?
Worked example: Which part helps?
You want to know what the little envelope on the map means. Which part do you use?
- The envelope is a symbol.
- The part that explains symbols is the map key.
- The key says the envelope is the post office.
Answer: The map key.
Common mistake
Children mix up the key and the compass rose. The key explains the pictures. The compass rose explains the directions. Ask: "Am I wondering what, or which way?"
For the grown-up. Find a real map together (a park, a zoo or a road map) and hunt for all four parts. Some maps leave one out; ask your child which one is missing.