DOGSTAILS: An Introduction to Map Reading

Lesson by Gale EkissArizona Geographic AllianceAdapted from the work of Jody Smothers Marcello

1. What is an "acronym?"

Acronym--DOGSTAILS

• What does the “D” stand for?

DOGSTAILSDate

1. When was the map made?

2. Is it still reliable?

Acronym--DOGSTAILS

• What does the “O” stand for?

DOGSTAILSOrientation

Is there a compass rose?

Acronym--DOGSTAILS

• What does the “G” stand for?

DOGSTAILSGrid

1. Is there a grid?

2. Is it alpha-numeric or latitude and longitude?

Acronym--DOGSTAILS

• What does the “S” stand for?

DOGSTAILSScale

1. Is there a scale?

2. What unit of measurement is it using?

Acronym--DOGSTAILS

• What does the “T” stand for?

DOGSTAILSTitle

1. What is the title of the map?

2. *Always read first

Acronym--DOGSTAILS

What does the “A” stand for?

We are cheating. It really should be an “C” word.

DOGSTAILSAuthor

1. Who made the map?

2. Cartographer

Acronym--DOGSTAILS

• What does the “I” stand for?

DOGSTAILSIndex

Is there an alphabetical listing of the places on the map?

Acronym--DOGSTAILS

• What does the “L” stand for?

DOGSTAILSLegend

Is there a place on the map that explains the symbols used on the map?

Acronym--DOGSTAILS

• What does the “S” stand for?

DOGSTAILSSituation

Does this map show this place in relation to another place?