Read maps Chapter Notes | Social Studies for Grade 7 PDF Download

Introduction

Maps are like special pictures that show us places on Earth. They help us understand where things are, like cities, rivers, or mountains. By learning to read maps, we can find locations, understand directions, and explore the world. This chapter will teach you how to use lines of latitude and longitude to locate places accurately on a map. These skills are important for understanding geography and finding our way around!

Identify Lines of Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude and longitude are imaginary lines on a map that help us find exact locations.
• Lines of Latitude:
  • These are horizontal lines that run east to west around the Earth.
  • They are measured in degrees, from 0° to 90° north or south of the Equator.
  • The Equator is the main latitude line at 0° and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
  • Other important latitude lines include the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North), Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° South), Arctic Circle (66.5° North), and Antarctic Circle (66.5° South).
  • Each degree of latitude is about 69 miles apart.
  • Latitude lines never meet and are always parallel to each other.
  • They help us know how far north or south a place is from the Equator.
• Lines of Longitude:
  • These are vertical lines that run north to south from pole to pole.
  • They are measured in degrees, from 0° to 180° east or west of the Prime Meridian.
  • The Prime Meridian is the main longitude line at 0° and passes through Greenwich, England.
  • Longitude lines meet at the North Pole and South Pole.
  • Each degree of longitude is farther apart near the Equator and closer together near the poles.
  • They help us know how far east or west a place is from the Prime Meridian.
• Latitude and longitude together form a grid system on maps to pinpoint any location on Earth.
• Coordinates are written as (latitude, longitude), like (40°N, 74°W) for New York City.

Use Lines of Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude and longitude lines help us locate places accurately on a map or globe.
• Finding a Location:
  • Use coordinates to find a place, such as (latitude, longitude).
  • First, find the latitude line (north or south of the Equator).
  • Then, find the longitude line (east or west of the Prime Meridian).
  • The point where these two lines meet is the exact location.
  • For example, to find (30°N, 90°W), locate 30° North latitude and 90° West longitude; this is near New Orleans, USA.
• Understanding Directions:
  • Latitude tells us if a place is in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
  • Longitude tells us if a place is in the Eastern or Western Hemisphere.
  • This helps us understand the general direction of a place from another location.
• Using Coordinates for Navigation:
  • Coordinates are used in GPS systems to find exact locations.
  • They help in giving directions, like traveling from one city to another.
  • For example, knowing the coordinates of two places helps calculate the distance between them.
• Reading a Map Grid:
  • Maps have a grid of latitude and longitude lines to make finding places easier.
  • Each square on the grid has specific coordinates to help locate places within it.
  • Smaller maps may show coordinates in degrees and minutes (e.g., 35°30’N) for more precision.
• Applications of Latitude and Longitude:
  • They are used in geography to study climate, as latitude affects temperature.
  • They help in mapping natural features like mountains, rivers, or forests.
  • They are used in history to locate important events or ancient cities.
  • They assist in travel, shipping, and aviation to plan routes.