How to Read a Map

A map is a drawing that shows what a place looks like from above. Maps help people find where things are. They show roads, rivers, mountains, and cities. Learning to read a map is a useful skill that helps you understand the world around you.

Parts of a Map

Most maps have a title that tells you what the map shows. A compass rose shows which direction is north, south, east, and west. A legend or key explains what the symbols and colors on the map mean. A scale tells you how far apart things really are.

Using a Map

To use a map, first find the legend to understand the symbols. Use the compass rose to figure out directions. Look at the scale to understand distances. Blue usually means water and green usually means land or parks. Roads are shown as lines of different sizes.

Fun Facts

• The oldest known maps were scratched into clay tablets over 4,000 years ago.
• Maps that show the whole Earth on a flat surface always have some distortion.
• Digital maps on phones use signals from satellites in space.

Did You Know?

Before GPS, people had to use paper maps and compasses to find their way when traveling!