Maps & Directions
Maps are tools that show us where things are. Learning to read a map is one of the most practical skills you will ever develop — and it starts with understanding direction.
Cardinal Directions
The four main directions are called cardinal directions:
- North (N) — toward the North Pole
- South (S) — toward the South Pole
- East (E) — direction the sun rises
- West (W) — direction the sun sets
Memory Trick
Going clockwise from the top: Never Eat Soggy Waffles (North, East, South, West)
The four intermediate directions are: Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), Northwest (NW).
The Compass Rose and Map Key
A compass rose is a symbol on a map that shows cardinal and intermediate directions. It helps you orient the map to know which way is north.
A map key (also called a legend) explains what the symbols and colors on a map mean:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Blue shading or lines | Water (ocean, river, lake) |
| Green shading | Forest or parkland |
| Dotted line | Trail or unpaved road |
| ★ or ● | Capital city or city |
| Dashed line | State or national border |
Map Scale and Types of Maps
A map scale shows the relationship between distance on the map and distance in the real world. Example: 1 inch = 100 miles.
Different types of maps show different information:
- Political map — shows countries, states, capitals, and borders
- Physical map — shows natural features: mountains, rivers, valleys
- Road map — shows highways, roads, and cities
- Climate map — shows weather patterns and climate zones
- Population map — shows where people live
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned. Choose the best answer for each question.