Read Maps Chapter Notes | Social Studies for Grade 4 PDF Download

Introduction

Maps are like pictures that show us places on Earth. They help us understand where things are, like cities, rivers, and mountains. In this chapter, we will learn how to read maps using cardinal directions, lines of latitude, and lines of longitude. These tools help us find places and understand how the world is organized.

Read a Map: Cardinal Directions

• Cardinal directions are the main directions: North, East, South, and West.
  • North is the direction toward the top of most maps.
  • South is the direction toward the bottom of most maps.
  • East is the direction toward the right side of most maps.
  • West is the direction toward the left side of most maps.
• Maps have a compass rose, which is a symbol that shows these directions.
• The compass rose helps us know which way is North, East, South, or West.
• Using cardinal directions, we can find places on a map, like finding a city that is north of another city.
• Intermediate directions are between cardinal directions, like Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest.
• Cardinal directions help us give clear instructions, like telling someone to go East to find a park.

Identify Lines of Latitude and Longitude

Lines of latitude and longitude are like a grid on a map to help find exact locations.

• Lines of latitude run side to side, like horizontal lines, across the map.
  • Latitude lines are also called parallels because they never touch each other.
  • The Equator is a special latitude line at 0 degrees, splitting the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
  • Latitude lines are measured in degrees, from 0 degrees at the Equator to 90 degrees at the North and South Poles.
• Lines of longitude run up and down, like vertical lines, from the top to the bottom of the map.
  • Longitude clines are also called meridians.
  • The Prime Meridian is a special longitude line at 0 degrees, dividing the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
  • Longitude lines are measured in degrees, from 0 degrees at the Prime Meridian to 180 degrees on the opposite side of the Earth.

Each place on Earth has a unique address using a latitude and longitude number, like coordinates.

Use Lines of Latitude and Longitude

Lines of latitude and longitude help us find exact places on a map.

• To find a place, we use coordinates, which are a pair of numbers: one for latitude and one for longitude.
• Latitude is written first, followed by longitude, like (30°N, 90°W).
• The letter after the number tells us the direction, like N for North, S for South, E for East, or W for West.
  • For example, to find a city at 40°N, 74°W, we look where the 40-degree latitude line meets the 74-degree longitude line in the Western Hemisphere.
• Latitude and longitude help us locate places like cities, mountains, or even a ship in the ocean.
• We can use these lines to measure distances between places on a map.
• Latitude and longitude are used by pilots, sailors, and scientists to navigate and study the Earth.
• By combining latitude and longitude, we can pinpoint any spot on Earth accurately.
• These lines also help us understand how far north, south, east, or west a place is from another.