How To Interpret a Map

Title of Map:

Date Created:

Mapmaker:

Collection of:

Place shown on Map:

1. Which of the following map elements can you find on the map?

Title, legend, compass, author (mapmaker), scale, date

2. What does the map tell you about the place and time it was created?

3. What is the purpose of this map?

4. Compare your map to a current map of the same area. Record information and characteristics that the two have in common and information unique to each below.

Source Map

On Both Maps

Current Map

What is the most important historical information this source provides? Be sure to cite specific evidence from the source.

Created by the Maryland Historical Society

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Primary Sources Overview

Using Primary Sources in the Classroom

Types of Resources

Reading a Primary Source

Reading Secondary Source

Evaluating an Interpretation