Use of Maps In Our Environment - Social Studies - Standard Four
Meaning of map
A map is a representation of the earth's or part of the earth's surface on a flat surface.
Examples of flat surface are pieces of paper, walls and chalkboards.
A map differs from a picture in the sense that a picture is taken from the front.
A map is drawn but a picture is taken with a camera.
Materials needed when drawing a map
A piece of plain paper, ruler, pencil, ink pen, eraser and a pair of dividers.
Elements of a map
Elements of a map are important things that should be in any map. These things are also called essentials of a map. They include the following:
1. Title/Heading
This is the name of the map which is written on top of a map to give information on what the map is all about.
Example of a titles are: Map of a class, Map of Tanzanian, Map of the world.
2. Frame/Margin
This is drawn around the map to show boundaries of a map. It shows where the map begins and ends.
3. Scale
This is the ratio of the distance on a map and the actual distance on the ground. A scale is used to reduce the sizes of an object to have it fit on a small space like a paper or a chart.
Scale can be expressed in statement, fraction or ratio form.
4. Compass direction
This is sign which shows the North direction of the map. It is used to help the map user to know other directions on the map.
5. Key
A key is used to explain the meaning of symbols or signs used on a map. Maps use symbols or signs to show things like mountains, road, railways and valleys.
Map symbols
Map symbols are signs that represent actual objects on the ground.
Symbols/signs used on a map are explained by a key.
Cardinal points
Cardinal points are the four main sides (direction) of the earth.
The four cardinal points are shown by an instrument called compass.
We can also use such to identify other directions.
Map of a school
A god map of a school should have:
1. All the elements of the map – title, key, north direction, frame and scale.
2. Show building in the school.
3. Main objects in the school.
Locating places on a map
Head teacher’s office is in the north.
Field is in the west.
Gate is in the south.
Classrooms are in the south.
Library is in the east.
Common map symbols and their meanings
