What+is+a+Map?

What is a Map?
A map is a representation of the earth's features drawn on a flat surface. Unlike photographs, maps cannot show you what the land actually looks like. Instead, maps use symbols and colours to represent the features of an area. For example, streets may be shown as red lines, and airports may be shown with a drawing of an airplane.

 A map also simplifies the real world; not every tree or telephone pole is usually shown on a map. The maker of any map must decide which features to include and which ones to ignore, depending on the map's purpose. For example, someone with a sweet tooth might want a map that includes every candy shop in town. A map that includes only those features relating to a distinct purpose is easy to use since it allows the map reader to focus on specific characteristics within an area.

Maps are changing. Now you are much more likely to experience a map on a phone or a computer. Finding a route and judging the distance used to involve a lot of time and skill, it now requires a moderate amount of skill with a computer or mobile device.

MAP REQUIREMENTS  Whenever you draw a map, certain features should always be included. These features are described below. These features help the map reader understand the purpose of the map.

Title-Identifies the area shown, topic, focus or purpose of the map  Legend-Explains the meaning of symbols & colours  Scale-Represents the relationship between distance on the map and distance in the real world  Direction-Represented with an arrow or a symbol or by the use of latitude & longitude  Border-Sets the map apart from other information  Date of Publication-Indicates how recent the map is

Questions 1. a) What is a map? Use your own words.  b) Why are maps useful tools?  c) How do maps help focus the reader's attention on just a few specific things?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">2. In your opinion, what would you think the most important map requirement is? Why?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">3. Maps are obviously changing very quickly, what impact do you think this will have on map-making? Will map makers (called cartographers) still be needed? Why or why not?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 150%;">4. Do you think maps are more important than 100 years ago or less important? Why?