Looking at Maps

Maps show us where things are in the world with abstract pictures of what is in view. Many maps have grid coordinates that make it easier to locate where something is. A vertical grid line is known as longitude and a horizontal line is known as latitude. Symbols and keys are important parts of maps. A scale helps us know how far apart things are from each other in real life. Compasses also help us know the direction on a map. There are many different types of maps, such as street maps, tourist maps, population maps, and land-use maps.