A map can be an invaluable tool if you know read it.
Maps are two-dimensional representations of geography, each with a specific purpose. For instance, you might include a map in a notice of an open house so that everyone can find their way to the event. Another map might exist to help customers find stores in a mall. Yet another map might serve to get you from one city to another. Of course, maps are only as helpful as your ability to read them.
Decode the Map
Take time to get to know your map so that what you're seeing makes sense. Two characteristics will make the map clearer: symbols and scale Familiarity with these is the difference between being able to quickly zero in on the section you need and squinting at the thing as you inch a finger across it.
Map symbols stand for important features. A legend (or key) decodes these symbols by showing them and their meaning in a table. The legend also lists features common to many maps, such as highways, secondary roads and cities, for example. Often, within a particular country, symbols used between different maps are consistent. Of course, if you assume your country's symbols are universal, you'll quickly become confused unless you consult the legend.
The legend might also tell you what different colors mean on the map; for instance, blue will likely represent bodies of water.
Since maps are small versions of a piece of the big world, you need a sense of scale to read it. The scale of a map will usually be shown near the legend. There's a few ways scale could be shown: as a ratio or fraction, as in 1:10 or 1/10; as something that looks a little bit like a ruler segment or bar; or, finally, written plainly, as in "one inch equals 10 miles."
When you see a scale explanation written as a ratio, know that both numbers use the same unit of measure, either inch or centimeter. If in inches, 1:10 and 1/10 mean that 1 inch on the map equals 10 inches on the ground.
If your map has the ruler scale, the segment shown will have a corresponding distance listed, so that the length of the segment stands for that distance on the ground.
Orient Yourself
While reading a map, it's important to get your bearings. Some, like mall maps, show you where you are with a star. Otherwise, get your bearings by consulting your map at an intersection or other major feature.
Some maps have faint lines running horizontally and vertically across the paper, which form a grid. On the map's border, you'll see that the rows and columns formed by the grid lines are labeled with a letter or number (sometimes two numbers, representing latitude and longitude). Each box in the grid be found by looking at the the intersection of these letters and numbers. Thus, grid box A-2 lies at the intersection of the column and row labeled "A" and "2." If you flip such maps over, you will likely see a list of places, often cities or streets, along with a corresponding grid location. You can note the grid boxes of your current location and destination, find them on the map and plot a course between them.
If you know where you are, but aren't sure what direction you're heading, walk or drive until you find another location featured on the map. With your location and direction known--plus the location of your destination on the map--you can plot a proper route.
By the way, your map will include either a directional arrow or a compass rose. The compass rose will list the cardinal directions North, East, South and West. If you only have an arrow, it is pointing North, conveniently, toward the top of the paper.
Tags: compass rose, country symbols, inch equals, will likely, your bearings
