UNDERSTANDING DESTINATIONS

5.01 Demonstrate the use of a map.

Parts of a map

•Legend or key

•Scale

•Equator

•Geographic grid

•Latitude

•Longitude

•Prime Meridian

Legend or key

The list and explanation for the symbols and colors used on a map

ScaleThe relationship between a distance on the map and the corresponding distance on the ground

•Mile: 5,280 feet; unit of distance used by the US and a few other countries

•Kilometer: .6 of a mile; the unit of distance used by the vast majority of the world

Equator

The parallel that lies at zero degrees halfway between the North Pole and South Pole

Geographic grid

The framework of crossed lines created by lines of latitude and longitude

Latitude•The distance of a place north or south of the equator

•Represented by horizontal lines on a geographic grid

•Distance from the equator affects climate

Longitude

•The distance of a place east or west of the Prime Meridian (also known as the Greenwich Meridian)

•Represented by vertical lines on a geographic grid

•Longitude affects time

Prime Meridian

The reference line at zero degrees longitude

Cartographical aids used in the travel industry

•Atlas

•Globe

•Locator

•Global Positions System (GPS)

•Online mapping websites

Atlas

A collection of flat maps

Globe

A three-dimensional representation of the spherical earth

LocatorA scheme that uses a grid of numbers and letters rather than degrees of latitude and longitude to pinpoint places on a map

Example: Road map

Global Positions System (GPS)

A worldwide navigation system that uses radio signals broadcast by satellites to pinpoint positions on earth

Tips for giving directions

•Know the area.

•Listen.

•Use the terms right, left, straight ahead.

•Use a map to show directions, or draw a sketch to illustrate directions.

•Mention landmarks.

•Explain distances in terms of miles, blocks, or kilometers.

•Explain the street numbering system.

•If you don’t know, refer the traveler to another source.

•Be courteous and friendly.