Basic 3 · Our World and Our People · Home and School

Parts of a Map

In this topic you will learn the parts of a map: title, key, symbols and directions.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand: All About Us
Sub-strand: Home and School
Indicator: B3.1.4.1.1 – Sketch a map of the neighborhood showing major home major routes and other important locations

A map is a drawing of a place seen from above, like a bird would see it. Maps have special parts that help us read them.

Parts of a map

Part	What it does
title	tells what the map shows
key	explains what the symbols mean
symbols	small pictures or signs for places
compass	shows north, south, east and west

Example key

North is usually at the top of a map. South is at the bottom. East is on the right. West is on the left.

You need: Sketch map of the local community, Locally made direction cards, Chalkboard, Chalk

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

1. What tells what map symbols mean?
- A. Key
- B. Title
- C. Road
- D. River
Show answer
Answer: KeyThe key explains symbols.
2. Which direction is usually at the top of a map?
- A. North
- B. South
- C. East
- D. West
Show answer
Answer: NorthMaps usually put north at the top.
3. A map shows a place from above.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueThat is a bird's-eye view.
4. East is on the left of a map.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseEast is on the right.
5. A small sign that stands for something is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: symbolThat is a symbol.
6. Name four parts of a map.
Show answer
Answer: Title, key, symbols, compass.These help us read maps.