Geographer Toolbox

Map Skills

Cartography

the study and practice of making maps

Copy (1472) of St. Isidore's map of the world

Topographic map, Easter island

What is a Map?

A representation, usually on a flat surface, of a region of the earth or heavens.

A celestial map from the 17th century,

by the Dutch cartographer

Frederik de Wit.

Map Conventions (parts)

Title (what, where, when) Legend (explain symbols, colours) Scale (relationship between distance on map

and in the real world) Direction (north arrow or Latitude/Longitude) Border (set map apart from other info) Date of Publication/author

Rules for Creating Hand Drawn Maps

In groups of 4, create a list of rules you should follow to create effective maps.

Include rules for: Labels/labelling

Human vs physical features Differentiate the features of a map Colouring/shading Symbols

Rules for Creating Maps:Paper/Pencil Pencil first, print only NEATLY Check spelling, don’t block other labels/

features Go over labels in black ink, erase pencil Use the same size and style (UPPER vs Lower

Case) for similar features Larger features may have larger labels

Cont’d

Human labels must be horizontal (parallel to base of map)

Use a leader (line) ONLY if no space

Dream World

Centered in area symbol

Label 2

Label 3

Label 4

Label 1

Cont’d

Never underline labels Labels for physical features can follow the

shape of the feature

Only colour the areas of focus Shade lightly, consistently Blue is only for water No white or black Include 5 map conventions where possible.

Types of Symbols

Point ID’s a specific point (city, bridge, attraction)

Line Any linear feature (river, border)

Area Large area (province, desert, continent)

Map of Canada

Carefully find the exact point on the map and label the: 13 provincial/territorial capitals 1 national capital

***differentiate symbols and labels Label all provinces/territories Convert to pen Map conventions

How to use the Atlas Gazetteer

Handout…complete!

Text, Experience Canada, pages 7 – 12.

1. Compass Direction Handout

“Direction/“Compass Point Exercise” Answer page7, #9, 10, 11 (write down the

question)

2. Grid Location Define “alphanumeric grid” Answer #12

3. Complete Geoskills (pages 8/9) review map first read instructions and complete activity Answer #1 – 3

Latitude and Longitude

Worksheet Reference Practice “Locating Places on a Grid” Go GPS!!

4. Using Map symbols (legend) In your notes, copy the 3 types of symbols and

the definition, including an example of each. Answer #13 (make 3 columns) 14 (use map on page 11)

5. Finding Road distance (scale) Describe in steps how you measure “kilometric

distance.” Answer #15 - 17

Map Scales

Worksheet “Types of Map Scales”