Information that Must Be Shown on Maps: Check 12 Elements and Their Components

Illustration – map (Photo: Pixabay/Beasternchen)

YOGYAKARTA - What information should be displayed on the map? At least there are 12 information that needs to be displayed on the map, ranging from the map title, scale, latitude, to the description of the map projection system. In order to better understand it, read the information in the following article.

According to Idianto Mui'in in the book Social Knowledge: Geography, a map is a representation of the surface of the earth or a part of it on a flat plane that is reduced in scale.

In Maps, there are text and symbols that serve as markers for the objects depicted.

The main function of the map is as a pointer to location, distance, and geographical features, making it easier to navigate and understand an area.

Information that Needs to be Displayed on the Map

Meyadur E-Modul Pengetahuan Dasar Peta Geografi Kelas X, a good map contains various elements and components, namely the map title, edge line, scale, legend, coordinates, symbols, lettering, colors, data sources and year of manufacture, direction signs, inset, and grid.

All information about these elements and components must be displayed clearly, accurately, so that it is easy to understand by its users.

The following is a complete explanation of the elements and components that need to be displayed on the map:

Map Title

The title on the map must provide an overview of the content or region displayed. Generally in the upper center, but can be placed in other areas as long as it does not interfere with the overall appearance. Through this title, users can immediately understand the mapped area. The title must also be clear, appropriate to the content, and not have multiple meanings.

Edge Line

The edge line is the outer boundary of the map formed by lines connected to each other on the edge of the map.

Map Scale

The scale of the map is the ratio between the distance on the map and the actual distance on the earth's surface using the same unit. The formula is generally:

Scale of the map = distance on the map : actual distance in the field.

Legend or Map Description

Legends are parts that serve to explain the meaning of symbols used on maps so that they are easier to understand. Because there is no standard symbol and color, legends are an important element as a guide for readers. Usually placed at the bottom of the map, both on the right and left side.

Coordinates (Latitude and Longitude)

Latitude and longitude or astronomical lines are displayed in the form of degrees as a marker of the geographical position of a location.

Symbol Map

Symbols on maps are used to represent real objects with simpler shapes so that the information is easy to understand. Symbols must be clear, easy to understand, and have a general meaning.

Lettering

Lettering is all the writing or text in the map. Variations of letters such as capital letters, lowercase letters, upright, or italics are used to distinguish information, for example, the name of an area, river, or other specific object.

Map Color

Colors are used to differentiate between objects or information on the map. For example, brown for relief of the land, blue for water areas, green for vegetation, and black and red for man-made objects, while white is commonly used for ice or snow.

Data Source and Year of Creation

This section shows the origin of the data used in the creation of the map, usually placed at the bottom. The year of creation is important because it shows the relevance of the data and the possibility of changes over time.

Direction or Orientation

The direction sign serves to indicate the direction of the wind. Usually in the form of an arrow pointing to the north and placed in a position that does not interfere with the map display.

Inset and Map Index

An inset is an additional map that enlarges a specific area to be more detailed, for example, Java Island on the Indonesia map. The map index is used to show the position of a map in a wider map arrangement.

Grid

Grids or dotted lines on maps are used to help show the location of a specific point or position within a larger set of maps.

That's the explanation about the information that must be displayed on the map. Get other interesting news updates only at VOI.id.