Maps

A map is a representation of a part of the earth or the heavens. There is much that we can learn about an area just by studying a map. All  Geography students need to be familiar with
maps. Objects on a map are represented using a variety of symbols. The meaning of these symbols is contained in the key. There are symbols which represent roads, buildings, rivers, vegetation and many other things. An example of a key can be seen below.

It is important that you study the key very carefully whenever you are presented with a map. This will allow you to better understand the map.

Basic features of a Map
 A map should contain the following basic features:

• A map must have a title, e.g, Map of St. Lucia
• A map must be enclosed within a border
• A map must have a north arrow
• A map must have a key

Topographic Maps
Many of the maps that you encounter as Geography students will be topographic maps. A topographic map is one which shows the relief (the shape of the land) and other natural features of an area as well as man made features. Using these maps, you can learn much about particular areas without ever visiting them. The picture below shows part of a topographic map. On the map you can clearly see symbols representing roads, rivers and buildings. You can also see green areas which represent a type of vegetation.

Topographic map showing part of Stowe, Vermont, USA

There are several brown lines all over the map. These are contour lines. A contour line joins points which are the same height above sea level. If you look closely, you will notice that many of the contour lines have a number which tells us how high the area is above sea level. Examining the contour lines on a map gives us a very good idea of the relief of an area. 

On a map, there may be several vertical and horizontal lines which cross over each other forming a pattern of squares called a grid. See the picture below.

This grid helps us locate objects on the map. Click here to learn more.