Understanding Maps and Their Features

Front

What is a map?

Back

A map is a simplified plan of an area that uses symbols and colors to represent features in the real world. Maps are drawn from directly above the area (the plan view).

Front

Purpose of map symbols and colors

Back

Symbols and colors are used in legends to help map readers quickly recognize features, such as green for parks and blue for water.

Front

BOLTSSA acronym in maps

Back

BOLTS stands for Border, Orientation, Legend, Title, Scale, Source and Accuracy, which are key features all maps need to contain.

Front

Definition of 'Border' in maps

Back

Border shows the extent of the map.

Front

Definition of 'Orientation' in maps

Back

Orientation is a direction arrow.

Front

Definition of 'Legend' in maps

Back

Legend is an explanation of the map symbols.

Front

Definition of 'Title' in maps

Back

Title is a description of what the map is showing.

Front

Definition of 'Scale' in maps

Back

Scale is a way of showing the area represented by the map.

Front

Definition of 'Source' in maps

Back

Source is the information used to produce the map.

Front

Understanding different views of the world

Back

To understand and read maps, you need to recognize features from the plan view, where the scale is the same across the entire area.