NAVIGATION TOOLS: Roadmap Reader Intro
ASK
Do you know how to use a map to plan a road trip? By using a map, can you find the best route and how long it will take
to reach your destination? Do you know that there are many different types of maps and all maps have the same basic
features?
Map-reading skills are important to good navigation. In this section, you will learn about maps and explore web links to
help you develop your map-reading skills.
INVESTIGATE: TYPES OF MAPS
There are many different types of maps. A few types are listed.
Roadmap – A state issued map of its roads and cities. These maps are updated and printed every year and are often free
at the state’s welcome centers or at drivers’ license examining offices. Roadmaps can also be purchased at gas stations
along travel routes.
Atlas – A book of road maps for every state as well as a nationwide map. Many atlases contain interesting travel
information. An atlas can be purchased at book stores or book departments.
Online map – The internet can connect you to various sites that provide directions and maps. You can enter your start
and end addresses and the site will provide maps and directions along with details about the distance and how long the
trip will take. Some online map sites will also let you search for nearby businesses.
Navigational map – A map found in navigational devices which are installed in some cars or can be purchased as
handheld units (Garmin, Tom Tom, DeLorme are a few brands). The device collects satellite signals to show your
location. When you program in an address, the device will guide you with specific directions to your destination. A
screen map as well as voice commands tell you when to turn. The device also features a screen with symbols so you can
find restaurants, gas stations, recreation areas, hospitals, etc.
Agriculture map – A map of a farm field. Sophisticated farm equipment enables farmers to map their fields with specific
plot boundaries and soil types. This enables the application of exact fertilizer or nutrients only where needed, thereby
saving money.
Topography map – A very detailed map that uses contour lines to show geographical surface features (natural and
manmade) of the ground and ocean including elevation changes. Also referred to as a topo map.
MAP FEATURES
Maps are available in different forms. For example, maps are on paper, in books, online, and in navigational
devices such as GPS units. Regardless of what kind of map you use, it is helpful to know the basic
information available on all maps.
Cardinal Directions - Cardinal directions are North-East-South-West.
North Arrow - On every map is a symbol pointing NORTH, called a North Arrow.
Index - The index alphabetically lists names of cities and towns and their location on the map. Population numbers are
also listed for larger cities. An index is only provided on Atlases and Statemaps.
Legend - The legend is an explanation of the map’s symbols and colors. The map itself is too small for all of the
information to be written on it, so the legend helps you know what a symbol or color on the map represents.
Scale - The scale is a black and white line with numbers indicating distance in miles or kilometers. It will tell how many
inches equal miles, for example, “Scale one inch equals approximately 12 miles.”
CREATE
An Illinois State Roadmap is needed for this activity. Free Illinois State roadmaps may be obtained at any Secretary
of State (driver’s license) office or at a State Police headquarters. Maps are sometimes available at local Chamber of
Commerce offices or other public agencies.
• Roadmaps usually show one big map of the state on one side, and enlarged maps of major cities on the other side.
• Name two cities that are shown in enlarged detail on your map.
___________________________
___________________________
• Why do you think major cities are shown in a larger size?
___________________________________________
(A. To give a close-up of roads to help you find your destination.)
• Point out the Cardinal directions and find the North Arrow on the map.
Hint: “Never Eat Soggy Waffles” helps you to remember the cardinal directions, going clockwise. Also, “WE”
reminds you that West is on your left and East on your right.
• Find the INDEX.
• Look for Springfield. On the 2008 Illinois map, it shows a population of 111, 454 people. Find the population of
the largest city closest to where you live.
• Next to Springfield’s population number, “H-5” is printed.
• Look at the borders of your map. There are numbers on the top and bottom, and letters on the left and
right.
• Find “H” and “5” and follow the path where they intersect on the map.
• What city is here? (Springfield)
• Find the LEGEND.
• Q. A multilane divided toll highway is indicated by what color? ________________
A. yellow
• Q. A multilane access controlled highway is what color? _______________
A. green
• Q. What is the color difference (on an Illinois roadmap) between a U.S. Route and a State Route?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
A. U.S. Routes are red and their route number is consistent from one state to another. State Routes are black
on white.
Note: State Route numbers are within that state only. Numbers will change if a state border is crossed and the road continues.
Helpful Tip: U.S. Route numbers going E and W are even numbers; U.S. Route numbers going N and S are odd numbers.
• Q. What symbol shows the location of an airport?
___________________________________________________
A. A red airplane
(For further study: see Nebraska February Week 4: Map Symbology, especially the Expedition section with More Information. This
section explains Point features, Line features, and Area features. The second page explains that there are 2 categories of maps:
general reference maps and thematic maps)
• Find the SCALE.
• Take a ruler, your finger, or a string and measure how long the scale is so you can figure out the travel distance
to your destination.
Note: A string is a good tool to measure distance on a map because it can go around curves which a ruler cannot.
DISCUSS
• What did you learn about maps and map-reading?
• If you travel to another state, which type of mapping tool would you use?
• What might determine the kind of map you will use?
REFLECT
• Where would you like to visit and what type of map is needed?
• How can having map-reading skills help you in the future?
• Research the different types of maps and discover their uses. Which map is most interesting to you?
RELATED WEB LINKS
• www.mapquest.com (free) – get a map, get directions and mileage, or find gas prices, restaurants, and more.
• maps.google.com (free) – access directions, mileage, or create your own maps.
• earth.google.com (free) – fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from
galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean.
• www.panoramio.com (free) – register, login, and go to “places.” There are amazing photos posted from all over
the world. You can also upload photos of your favorite place here.
Developed by Dr. Lisa Bouillion Diaz, Barb Roberts, Terri Myers, Dr. Nama Budathoki, Wilbon Anthony, Susan Hayden, and
Dawn Waller. University of Illinois Extension, 2011. College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences/State/
County/Local Groups/USDA cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and
employment. http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmapmakers/