Map BasicsMap Basics

What is a map?What is a map?

““A graphic depiction of all or part of a A graphic depiction of all or part of a geographic realm in which the real-world geographic realm in which the real-world features have been replaced by symbols in features have been replaced by symbols in their correct spatial location at a reduced their correct spatial location at a reduced scale.”scale.”

power line

The Parts of a Map: Map ElementsThe Parts of a Map: Map Elements

The United States of America

Alaska

Lambert Conformal Conic ProjectionSource: U.S. Dept. of State

0 41 2 3

hundreds ofkilometers

0 4 0 4

Washington,D.C.National Capital

Legend

Scale

CreditsNorth ArrowPlace nameInset

Ground

Figure

Neat line Border Title

Hawaii

Cartographic Elements (1)Cartographic Elements (1)

BorderBorder NeatlineNeatline InsetsInsets

– Scale upScale up

– Scale downScale down Metadata e.g. indexMetadata e.g. index Off-map referencesOff-map references

Cartographic Elements (2)Cartographic Elements (2)

Page coordinatesPage coordinates Ground elementsGround elements Graticule/GridGraticule/Grid North arrowNorth arrow

Cartographic Elements (3)Cartographic Elements (3)

FigureFigure Point/Line/Area symbolsPoint/Line/Area symbols TextText Place NamesPlace Names TitleTitle

Cartographic Elements (4)Cartographic Elements (4)

Reference InformationReference Information ScaleScale Projection(s)Projection(s) Sources (2)Sources (2) CreditsCredits LegendLegend ReliabilityReliability