This document discusses the key elements and purposes of maps. It explains that maps show what an area looks like from above at a smaller scale than the actual place. Maps contain symbols that are explained through a legend or key. They also often include a grid system of letters and numbers to help locate positions, as well as a compass rose to indicate directions. The overall purpose of maps is to help people navigate and find their way in an area.

1. Project: Community Map
How Do We Use Maps?
• Maps come in all shapes and
sizes. A map is a drawing of
a place or a community. It
can show any area of Earth.
• A map shows what a place
looks like from above. Maps
have different tools that
people can use to find their
way.

2. 1. A Map Shows a Place
A map is a drawing of a place from above. The map is smaller than the place. A
map shows important things in the place. It does not show everything in that
place.
Look at the picture of the city.
What does the map show?

3. 2. A Map Has a Key
Some keys open doors. Other keys are clues about new things. A map key
explains pictures and colors on a map. A map key is also called a legend.
The pictures and colors on a map are called symbols. The map key tells us
what these symbols mean.

4. 3. A Map Has a Grid
• A map grid is a set of
lines that cross each
other. The lines make
squares all over the
map. Each row has a
letter. Each column
has a number.
• The grid helps us find
places on the map.
We can follow a letter
and a number to find
squares on the grid.

5. 4. A Map Has a Compass Rose
• A compass points to
the directions north,
south, east, and west.
• A compass rose is a
drawing of a compass
on a map. It shows the
directions on a map.

6. Summary
A map shows what places look like from above.
A map has a key to explain symbols. A map can
have a grid. A map can have a compass rose.
People use maps to help them find their way.