Name:
Period:
MS. MATHWIG
Explore Your World
Absolute Location Practice and Strategies
Map Vocabulary Terms
Political, Physical, and Contour Maps
MAPS: STORIES
Every single map is a story. You’re job as a historian is to figure out what that maps story is.
Directions: Trace all lines of latitude in RED (include equator) and all lines of longitude in BLUE (include PM)
For the MAP KEY use the box below to complete the key for the continents. Choose a different color for each continent and
color in the circle next to that country (below) and the same color on the map (above).
o North America
o South America
o Asia
o Europe
o Africa
o Antarctica
o Australia
BASIC MAP TYPES
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Political Map: Show the names and boundaries of countries, locations of cities and capitals, and human-made features (such
as National Parks or Monuments).
Directions: Use the map to answer the questions.
Level 1 Questions: Facts
1. What two things does the map key show on this map?
2. What is the capital city of Texas?
3. Using the scale, approximate how many miles it would be from Amarillo to Galveston?
4. Using the compass rose, determine which cardinal direction (N,S,E,W) Louisiana is from Texas?
Level 2 Questions: Analysis
5. The map in the bottom left is a close up of Austin, TX. Who would this map be helpful for?

Physical maps: focus on landforms and water features. These maps may also be helpful in determining elevation (how far a
location is above sea level).
Directions: Use the maps below to help you answer the questions.
Level 1 Question: Facts
1. The physical map of Sri Lanka on the left shows that the highest point on the island is what?
2. Using the scale, about how far is it (in miles – mi.) from Chilaw to Kattankudi?
3. How far is it (approximately) from the capital city to Matara?
4. The highest points on the physical map are represented by what color?
Level 2 Question: Analysis
5. How does knowing the elevations on the map give you an idea of the geography of Sri Lanka?

Special Purpose Maps: maps used to present different kinds of information. Often times, these maps are used to
represent significant numbers, such as the results of an election or to represent a census. Other times, the map
simply represents something else, but every map has a purpose and a story. Look at the map below.
Level 1 Question: Facts
1. What does a tree represent?
2. Circle the version of a compass rose on this map (hint: look in the NE corner).
3. In what state is Crater Lake National Park?
4. How many national parks are in the state of California?
Level 2 Question (analysis):
5. What is the story (purpose) of this map?
The Geographic Grid
Geography is about spatial understanding, which requires an accurate grid system to determine absolute and relative location. Absolute
location is the exact x- and y- coordinate on the Earth. Relative location is the location of something relative to other entities. For example,
when you use your GPS in your smart phone or car, say Google Maps, you put in an absolute location. Your phone then sends that
information to a cell tower, which then sends it to the Google Headquarters where the computer systems calculate that exact location on
earth using data in their systems from satellite imaging, and then you receive your directions, all in a matter of about 3 seconds. Amazing!
But as you start driving, the device tells you to turn right or left relative to objects on the ground: "Turn left on exit 202"is relative to the
other exit points. Or if you give directions to your
house, you often use relative locations to help
them understand how to get to your house.
How Is Absolute Location Used Today?
Imagine this:
 YOUR PLANE HAS JUST CRASHED IN THE OCEAN. YOU’RE IN A LIFE RAFT. NO ONE HAS ANY IDEA WHERE YOU
ARE BUT YOU JUST RECOVERED A WORKING RADIO AND THE CAPTAIN’S MAPS WITH THE LATITUDE AND
LONGITUDE COORDINATES FOR YOUR EXACT CRASH LOCATION. IF YOU CAN READ IT YOU LIVE, IF NOT WELL,
WE’LL SEE.
The Rules of Absolute Location
1. Latitude (NS) always comes first.
2. Locate the equator then find the line of latitude by moving to the circles north or south of the equator.
3. Record that number first, and put a comma after it.
Example: 30*N,
4. Longitude (EW) is second.
5. Find the Prime Meridian then find the line of longitude by moving to the circles east or west until you hit your
point. Record this point next.
Example: 30*N, 60*W
6. Where the lines cross is the Absolute Location. Now you’re safe.
Your job
1. Draw all of the lines of latitude and longitude on the map found on the first page of this packet and label them
with their measurement.
2. Find the absolute location of Issaquah, WA and mark it on the map.