MAP

A map is a two-dimensional representation of the Earth’s

surface.

There are different types of maps depending on what

information about a certain place needs to be highlighted
or emphasized.
 MAP
Basic Elements of a Map

1. Legend – tells the meaning of the symbols

used on a map.
2. Orientation – the direction of the map based
on a reference point.
3. Scale - the relationship between a distance of
two points on the map and the corresponding
distance of these same points in reality on the
ground.
 TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
There are two types of scale – bar and ratio
scales. An example of ratio scale is 1:50,000. This
means, 1 unit of measurement (e.g. centimeter) on
the map is equal to 50,000 of the same units on the
ground.

1:50,000
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Other Basic Elements of a Map

4. Coordinate system- consists of latitude and

longitude developed by ancient geographers to answer
the question of one’s location, “Where am I?”.
A. Latitude lines run horizontally. Latitude lines
are also called parallels since they are parallel and at
equal distance from each other. Each degree of latitude
is approximately 111 km apart numbered from 0° to
90°, north and south. Zero degrees latitude is the
equator, the imaginary line that divides the Earth into
the northern and southern hemispheres.
 MAP
Other Basic Elements of a Map

4. Coordinate system

B. Longitude lines are vertical lines, also known

as meridians. These lines converge at the poles and
are widest at the equator (about 111 km apart). Zero
degrees (0°) longitude is located at Greenwich,
England. The degrees continue 180° east and 180°
west where they meet and form the International Date
Line in the Pacific Ocean.
 TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

A topographic map shows relief or changes in

elevation, illustrating three-dimensional
features like mountains and valleys as two-
dimensional on a flat piece of paper.
 TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

5. Contour lines (also called elevation contours or

level lines) - lines that connect points of equal
elevation. Elevation is referenced from sea level,
which is zero elevation.

Contour lines are usually drawn at constant

intervals, such as every 20 meters or every 100
meters, called Contour Interval.
 TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

A topographic map can be used for a variety of

things. It can give a clear understanding of physical
features such as mountains, hills, valleys and
plains, and how these features influenced the
placement of man-made features like roads,
bridges, telecommunications towers, residential
areas, and even military camps/outposts.