Map Theme & Map Title

By the end of these lessons about maps, you will acquire the following knowledge and practice the following skills:

Knowledge: You will understand different map themes, the functions of map elements, the importance of cardinal and intermediate directions, how lines of latitude and longitude work, the purpose of map scales, and the significance of map legends/keys.

Skills: You will be able to identify and use key geographic information from a map, including map features, cardinal and intermediate directions, latitude and longitude, map scale, and map legends/keys. These skills will empower you to read and interpret maps effectively in this course.

These lessons equip you with the foundational map knowledge and skills essential for your journey in geography.

Guide Point 🧭

Map Theme & Map Title

Maps have themes and titles. In fact, the map title often reveals the map theme. The map title is often, but not always at the top of a map. The theme of a map is the main idea of the map. It helps answer the question, “What is this map about?” Thematic maps focus on specific themes or topics, helping us understand various aspects of geography. They provide detailed information on subjects like those geographic perspectives like: physical, cultural, political, population, environmental, and economic features, allowing us to identify patterns and relationships in geographic data.

For example, a thematic map might show the unemployment rate as a percentage in each state of the U.S. in 2012. Analyzing such maps help us grasp how geographic factors impact our world. Thematic maps are essential in fields like economics, environmental science, and urban planning, offering valuable insights into geography and aiding in decision-making.

Unemployment Rate | Practice Activity

Now that you have the knowledge of map themes and titles, let's practice the skill of identifying those elements.

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