What you will be able to do
use a title, key, and compass rose; locate a feature in a grid; use a simple scale to estimate distance
Maps, Grids, Distance, and Scale
How do map tools help us locate places and estimate distance?
Activate what you know
Point north, south, east, and west on a familiar map or room diagram. If you are unsure, use a compass rose as a guide
- mapa model that represents places and spatial information
- map keya guide explaining symbols and colors on a map
- compass rosea map tool showing directions
- gridcrossing rows and columns used to organize locations
- distancethe amount of space between places
- scalea map rule showing how a map measurement represents real distance
1
Maps Use Organized Clues
A map is a model, so it selects information for a purpose. The title tells what the map represents, the key explains symbols, and the compass rose shows directions. Mapmakers may orient a map differently, so always look for the direction marker. A grid divides a map into rows and columns. A location such as B3 means find column B and row 3, following the map’s own labels. A grid square narrows the location; it does not always identify one exact point unless the map provides more detail
2
Scale Helps Estimate Distance
Maps make large areas small enough to view. A scale explains that relationship. On a fictional map where one scale segment represents one kilometer, two matching segments represent about two kilometers. Straight-line distance and travel distance can differ. A road may curve around a lake or a safe walking route may follow crossings. State whether you measured straight-line distance or a route, and use words such as “about” when the measurement is an estimate
Read the Map’s Rules
Use the title, key, direction marker, grid labels, and scale printed on that map. Do not carry a symbol or scale from one map to another
Map-Reading Order
Try this order: title, key, compass rose, grid, then scale. Touch each tool as you use it
Small on a Map Does Not Mean Small in Real Life
A kilometer may appear as a short line because the map is reduced. Scale tells what that line represents on the ground
Make a Fictional Town Grid
Draw a 3-by-3 grid labeled A-C and 1-3. Add a school, park, and library with a key. Write one direction clue and one distance clue using a one-block scale
Map titles, keys, compass roses, grids, and scales work together to represent, locate, and measure spatial information
Practice and answer guide
Work through all 8 questions. Open an answer only after you have written or explained your response.
- 1. Which map tool explains symbols? A. map key B. timeline C. budget
Check answer
Map key
- 2. Which map tool shows directions? A. compass rose B. price tag C. ballot
Check answer
Compass rose
- 3. A park is in grid square C2. Name its column and row
Check answer
Column C and row 2
- 4. On a map, the library is east of the school. In which direction would you travel from the library back to the school?
Check answer
West
- 5. Each scale segment represents 1 kilometer. Two segments separate two places. What distance do they represent?
Check answer
Two kilometers
- 6. Why may a road route be longer than a straight-line map measurement?
Check answer
Roads or safe routes may curve, avoid barriers, or follow bridges and crossings, so the traveled path can be longer
- 7. Draw a small map with a title, key, compass rose, and labeled grid
Check answer
The drawing should include all four requested tools and use symbols consistently with its key
- 8. Explain why you must read the scale printed on each map
Check answer
Different maps represent different areas at different reductions. A distance on one map may represent a different ground distance on another