LESSON 8.3 SkillBuilder: Geographical inquiry
LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this SkillBuilder you should be able to read a map and understand geographic relationships.
8.3.1 Tell me What are maps and why are they useful?
Maps show parts of the world from a bird’s-eye view. Cartographers simplify aerial photos or satellite images and use colours and symbols to represent features like roads, rivers and towns. All maps should include six key elements, remembered by the acronym BOLTSS (see FIGURE1 ). Maps help us understand and navigate places, especially when travelling.
FIGURE1 Essential map features follow the BOLTSS system BOLTSS Border — a box around the map to clearly show its extent Orientation — a compass direction Legend — a key to what the symbols and colours on the map stand for Title — a clear indication of what the map is about or its theme Scale — indicates distances on the map compared with the actual area being shown Source — where possible, the information used to make the map should be sourced
Understanding map legends Maps use various colours and symbols, explained in the legend, usually found in a corner or reference section. Cartographers represent features through point symbols (e.g., a church), line symbols (e.g., roads) and area symbols (e.g., forests). Common symbols, like blue lines for rivers, help readers quickly identify features. When creating maps, keep symbols small to maintain clarity.
FIGURE2 Maps often show features using icons and legends.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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