Reading Maps

With easy-to-read text and full-color photos, this book introduces readers to the work of a cartographer through several major geographical concepts, including latitude and longitude, projection, scale, and orientation. Readers will become familiar with reading a compass rose and a map legend, as well as learn how to understand a map's purpose by its title. The book also discusses the different elements used in reference maps and thematic maps, teaching readers that almost any type of information can be mapped. Colorful maps and diagrams highlight the text, visually demonstrating these concepts. Informative sidebars, bold glossary terms, and an index enhance the engaging text and graphics. This series discusses the basic branches of cartography, from surveying and mapmaking to satellite imaging and GPS and GIS technologies, as well as the history of mapmaking. Readers will also become familiar with where map data comes from, the variety of maps available today, the purposes they serve, and the people who make them. In addition, they will learn techniques for reading and creating their own maps.