Parts of a Map. Map Projection A projection is a way of showing the Earth on a flat surface.

Parts of a Map

Map Projection

• A projection is a way of showing the Earth on a flat surface.

Title Tells what the map is showing. • Shows the topic – ex.

Crops grown in a region

• Historical maps will have a date.

Compass Rose

The part of the map that indicates cardinal directions. • N, S, E, W

• Often it will only show North and assumes you understand where the rest are.

Key/Legend The part of a map that show what different symbols on the map indicate.

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Grid

System of lines used to divide up space on maps• These make it possible to

find the place you are looking for.

• The maps in your atlas will use a latitude and longitude grid like this.

Grid

On a map with a smaller area they can’t use Latitude & Longitude so they use numbers & Letters• State & City maps

ScaleThe part of a map used to show exact distances from one place to another. • Compares the distance

on the map to the actual distance on the earth.

Inset Map

A small map set within the border of a larger map.