The elements of a map

Title

 The name of the map

 Explains what the map is about

Legend/Key

 Describes the symbols on a map

 Helps you interpret the map
 Helps avoid confusion about what is on the
 map

Scale

 Something that shows the measurements that are specific to that map
 Helps us understand how far places are Helps understand the size of objects on a map

Compass

 The tool to help us know where to go: North, East, South, West
 Helps us pinpoint a certain location, shows what was in a location
 If you don’t know where you’re going, the compass on the map helps you

Mapped area

 The actual drawing of the map

 Examples: streets, political lines, boundaries, borders, water bodies

Frame Line

 Neat line that surrounds all elements of a map

Data source (Optional)

 Describes the source of information used to make the map