📍 Part 1: Map Feature Knowledge
1. Which map feature shows the relationship between distances on a map and real-world distances?
Key (Legend)
Scale
Frame
Title
2. What is the main purpose of a map's key or legend?
To show direction
To explain symbols and colours used
To indicate the map's boundaries
To show elevation
3. Which features help you understand direction on a map? (Select all that apply)
North arrow
Compass rose
Scale bar
Directional indicators
4. Complete this sentence: The _________ of a map tells you what area or topic the map is showing.
Answer: _________________________
5. What does the frame of a map do?
Shows the map's boundaries and contains all information
Indicates north direction
Explains map symbols
Shows distance measurements
🗺️ Part 2: Map Analysis
6. Look at any map in your classroom or textbook. List the five essential map features you can identify:
1. Frame:
2. Arrow/Direction:
3. Colour:
4. Key/Legend:
5. Title:
6. Scale:
7. Explain why colours are important on maps. Give two specific examples of how colour helps map readers.
8. Imagine you're creating a map of your school. Write an appropriate title and describe what symbols you would include in the key.
Map Title:
Key Symbols (describe 4):
1.
2.
3.
4.
🎯 Part 3: Critical Thinking
9. Why do you think digital maps (like Google Maps) still use the same essential features as traditional paper maps? Explain your reasoning.
10. You're planning a tramping trip in New Zealand. Rank these map features in order of importance for your safety (1 = most important, 5 = least important). Explain your top choice.
_____ Scale (to measure distances)
_____ North arrow (for direction)
_____ Topographic colours (showing elevation)
_____ Key/Legend (explaining symbols)
_____ Title (showing the area covered)
Explanation for your #1 choice:
✅ Answer Key
1. Correct Answer: Scale
2. Correct Answer: To explain symbols and colours used
3. Correct Answers: North arrow, Compass rose
4. Sample Answer: Title
5. Correct Answer: Shows the map's boundaries and contains all information
6. Sample Features: Frame, Arrow/Direction, Colour, Key/Legend, Title, Scale
7. Sample Answer: Colours help differentiate between various features, such as using blue for water and green for parks.
8. Sample Map Title: "My School Map". Sample Key Symbols: 1. Classroom (symbol), 2. Playground (symbol), 3. Cafeteria (symbol), 4. Office (symbol).
9. Sample Answer: Digital maps use essential features for consistency and user familiarity, making navigation easier.
10. Sample Ranking: 1. Scale, 2. North arrow, 3. Topographic colours, 4. Key/Legend, 5. Title. Explanation: Scale is crucial for measuring distances accurately.
