Knowledge Explorer lesson
Maps and Directions
What are north, south, east, and west?
A map is a drawing of a place as if you were looking down on it from above.
The four main directions are north, south, east, and west. They are called cardinal directions. A compass rose on a map shows which way each direction goes.
On most maps, north is at the top, south is at the bottom, east is on the right, and west is on the left.
A map key (also called a legend) explains what the symbols on the map mean. Outside, you can use the Sun to help: it rises in the east and sets in the west.
What you will learn
- Name the four cardinal directions
- Use a compass rose to find directions on a map
- Use a map key to understand symbols
Key facts
- The 4 cardinal directions are north, south, east, and west.
- On most maps, north is at the top and east is on the right.
- A map key tells what the symbols on a map mean.
- The Sun rises in the east and sets in the west.