Maps and Data
Learn how maps give us information and how to find facts by looking at maps carefully.
Learn
Maps are full of data. Data means information or facts. When we read a map, we are finding facts about places.
What Data Can Maps Show?
- Where places are - The location of buildings, parks, and streets
- How far apart things are - Using a map scale
- What is at each place - Using symbols and colors
- Directions - Which way is north, south, east, or west
Map Keys and Symbols
A map key (also called a legend) tells you what the symbols on a map mean.
Common symbols include:
- A blue line = a river or stream
- A green area = a park or forest
- A small square = a building
- A thick line = a main road
- A thin line = a small street
Counting on Maps
You can count things on a map to find data. For example:
- How many parks are in the neighborhood?
- How many streets are between your house and school?
- How many buildings are on Main Street?
The Compass Rose
A compass rose shows directions on a map:
- N = North (up)
- S = South (down)
- E = East (right)
- W = West (left)
Examples
Example 1: Reading a Neighborhood Map
Imagine a map that shows:
- 3 parks (shown in green)
- 1 school (shown with a flag symbol)
- 5 main streets
- 2 blue lines for streams
Question: How many parks are in this neighborhood?
Answer: We count the green areas and find 3 parks.
Example 2: Using Directions
On a map, the library is north of the school. The park is south of the school.
Question: If you are at the school and want to go to the library, which direction do you go?
Answer: You go north (up on the map).
Example 3: Using the Map Key
The map key shows: Blue star = Hospital, Red square = Fire station
Question: You see a blue star on the map. What is at that location?
Answer: A hospital is at that location.
Practice
Answer these questions about maps and data:
1. What is a map key used for?
- A) To lock the map
- B) To explain what symbols on the map mean
- C) To make the map look pretty
- D) To fold the map
2. On most maps, which direction is "up"?
- A) South
- B) East
- C) North
- D) West
3. A map shows a blue line. What does this usually mean?
- A) A road
- B) A river or stream
- C) A fence
- D) A railroad track
4. You count 4 green squares on a map. The key says green squares are parks. How many parks are on the map?
- A) 2
- B) 3
- C) 4
- D) 5
5. What does the "E" on a compass rose stand for?
- A) End
- B) East
- C) Everywhere
- D) Empty
6. The map shows the store is west of your house. Which direction will you walk to get to the store?
- A) Up
- B) Down
- C) Left
- D) Right
7. What is "data"?
- A) A type of food
- B) Information or facts
- C) A color on a map
- D) A type of map
8. A map has 6 buildings shown. 2 of them are schools. How many buildings are NOT schools?
- A) 2
- B) 4
- C) 6
- D) 8
9. Why do maps use symbols instead of words for everything?
- A) Words are too hard to read
- B) Symbols save space and are easy to understand quickly
- C) Mapmakers do not know how to write
- D) Colors are more fun than words
10. The map key shows: Triangle = Mountain. You see 3 triangles on the map. What does this tell you?
- A) There are 3 rivers
- B) There are 3 mountains
- C) There are 3 schools
- D) There are 3 roads
11. On a compass rose, which direction is opposite of North?
- A) East
- B) West
- C) South
- D) Up
12. You want to find how many streets are in your town. How can a map help?
- A) Maps do not show streets
- B) You can count the street lines on the map
- C) Maps only show water
- D) You have to guess
Check Your Understanding
Think about these questions:
- What is a map key and why is it important?
- What are the four main directions on a compass rose?
- How can you find data (information) from a map?
- What are some things you can count on a map?
Next Steps
- Practice finding symbols on real maps
- Try counting different things on a neighborhood map
- Move on to the next lesson: Claim and Evidence Writing