Social Studies Map Skills

Map Keys, symbolsV. Martinez

Symbols

Symbols are pictures that represent something.

Key or legend

A key or legend is an area on the map that shows us what each symbol represents.

Scale

Scale is the section of the map that shows how much smaller the map is compared to the real area it represents.

Directions

Directions tell which way to go.

Compass Rose

A compass rose is a symbol on a map which indicates the directions for a map.

Cardinal Directions

North South East West

Intermediate directions

Northeast Southeast Northwest Southwest

Latitude Lines

These lines circle the globe running east to west

Longitude Lines or meridians

Circle the globe running North to South

Equator- latitude Prime Meridian - longitude

Equator

The equator is a zero degree line of latitude that separates the Northern hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere.

Prime Meridian

The prime meridian is the zero degree line of longitude that separates the eastern and western hemisphere.

Globe

A model of the earth

Map