How to Read a Map

by Melanie Waldron

Overview

Maps are essential tools for understanding the world around us. Learning to read maps - both printed and online - is a core skill that forms the basis of social studies. This book explores the different types of features used on maps, explaining what they can show us and how to make sense of them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781410949066
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	01/01/2013
Series:	Let's Get Mapping!
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	850L (what's this?)
Age Range:	7 - 9 Years

About the Author

Melanie Waldron worked in children's publishing for many years before becoming a full-time author. She has written many non-fiction books for young people and specializes in science and geography topics.

Table of Contents

Marvelous Maps 4

A World of Maps 6

Layers of Information 8

Map Symbols 10

Which Way Is Up? 12

Shades of Color 14

Contour Lines 16

Map Scales 18

Finding the Distance 20

Lines of Latitude and Longitude 22

Pinpointing Positions 24

Using Maps 26

Get Mapping! 28

Glossary 30

Find Out More 31

Index 32

Editorial Reviews

Despite society’s growing reliance on GPS systems, the attractive Let’s Go Mapping! series emphasizes this still important life skill. Large full-color photos and, of course, maps galore complement the accessible text. How to Read a Map identifies and describes such map components as titles, symbols, a compass rose, contour lines, and latitude and longitude. It explains various ways to read maps, such as using bar scales to determine distance and grid lines to pinpoint positions. Mapping Information relates the purpose of maps and how the manipulation of colors, scales, symbols, dots, and lines are used to convey information. The text also explains how maps, particularly digital maps, are used for fishing, farming, and other trades. As the title suggests, Types of Maps looks at a variety of maps, including political, physical, topographical, pictorial, statistical, and weather, as well as the differences between flat maps and globes and between historical and modern maps. Sidebars across the series offers interesting map-related facts, such as how a map was used to track down the source of a cholera epidemic in the 1800s, while a concluding activity reinforces comprehension. These useful books will keep students pointed in the right direction. –Angela Leeper Booklist 6/1/2013 and 6/15/2013

Booklist

...gives young readers a solid introduction to many aspects of mapping, from identifying different types of maps to reading and creating maps. Individual volumes break cartography into smaller topics, allowing readers to explore ways to map different types of information effectively. The included illustrations and maps, many of which will be new to young readers, add an element of visual interest to the manageable text.

"Gaining STEAM: Adventures in Mapping" Library Sparks