The Seven Parts of a Map

Use this information as you create your Mystery Island. Your map must contain all of
these parts, accurately and neatly.
1. Scale: Scale is used to show that a certain distance on the map represents the actual
distance on the earths surface. On a map, scale is represented using words (for example,
one inch = !! miles" or using a graphic (a line graph".
2. Title: #hat the map is a$out. %he title is generally the $iggest, dar&est, most
noticea$le text on your map.
3. Legend or Key: Used for defining and understanding the sym$ols found on the map.
It is usually in one of the corners of the map and is often enclosed $y a $ox. It explains
the meaning of the different si'es, shapes, and colors used in the map.
4. Symols: %he things on the map which stand for or represent real things on the
earth(s surface. Sym$ols )ary according to * categories+ color and shape. ,or example+ a
star is often used to represent the capital city or yellow to represent a desert.
!. "ompass: %he compass shows which way is up on the map. -early all maps are
printed so that north is towards the top of the page. %his is shown $y a compass rose
using -, S, ., and #.
#. Location: #here the place or places shown on the map are exactly location the earth.
/ines of latitude and longitude are used on the map to show the location. You should
ha)e at least one line of latitude and one line of longitude.
$. %order: %he outside edge of the map. %his is a thic&, 0 inch straight line around the
outside of the map. %he $order can $e left $lan& if the entire ocean is colored. It helps
direct people(s attention to the map.