6th Grade World Cultures
Subject: Making Sketch Maps
Maps are important tools of geographers. Sketching your own maps can be a valuable study aid, helping you visually learn where places are located. If you draw your own map based on what you see in a book, atlas, or what you personally visualize you will have a better understanding of the subject of the map. You will remember it better.
How to Draw a Sketch Map
1. On each sketch map we do in class, I will assign guidelines of the region to be drawn. Choose boundaries so that you do not sketch more than needed.
2. Determine how much space you will need for your map. Things that are the same size as each other in real life should be about the same size as each other on your map.
3. Decide on and note the orientationof your map. All maps should have a directional indicator (compass rose). On most maps, north is “up”.
4. Select reference points. Examples: For a sketch map of the world, reference points might be the Equator and the Prime Meridian. For a map of your community, a major street might be the reference point. You might include numbers or a grid. Even maps at shopping malls indicate reference points – usually by showing “you are here” next to a dot or star.
5. Decide how much detail your map will show. The larger the area you want to represent, the less detail you will need. For example, a map of the world will not need names of streets, but a map of your community will.
6. When you sketch a map, sketch general shapes (like the continents on a world map) first and then refine your map with smaller details such as names of places, major land features and so on.
7. On all assigned maps, you will be given a list of the required elements for that particular map.
8. Try NOT to make sketch maps perfect or overly detailed. Many useful maps only take a few minutes to sketch while others will take much longer. Use the time guidelines I give you.