Introduction

This is a Treasure Hunt for information about reading, using, understanding and making maps. Maps can provide us with all kinds of information. We can use a map to find directions, to discover characteristics of the land, to study weather patterns or populations of a specific region, to locate rivers, mountains, and lakes, or to find the distance between two places.

The answers to each of the following questions can be found through one of the eight Web sites about maps listed below. You might want to start by taking a quick look at all of the internet resources.

When you complete the list of questions and activities, your task is to solve the 'Big Question' by bringing together all of the new information you acquired in your hunt.

Questions

1. What are three different types of maps? Describe what each one shows and what it is used for.
   
2. Go to Find a Map at MapQuest. Type in your address, city, state, and zip code. What does the map of your address show you? What kind of map is this and how is it helpful?
   
3. a. Who were the first people to ever use a map?
   b. What kind of map was this?
   
4. Study the three maps of Salt Lake City carefully.
   a. What three types of maps are shown? Describe the similarities and differences between the maps.
   b. Then explain what information each one provides and when this type of map would be useful.
   
5. a. How is elevation shown on a topographical map?
   b. How are man made and natural features identified on a topographical map?
   
6. a. What is meant by projection?
   b. List the three different kinds of projection, and explain which parts of the world are most accurately mapped with each type.
   c. Why is the earth so difficult to map?
   
7. When you have studied the Salt Lake City maps, go to the site 'Activity Sheet for Three Salt Lake City Maps.' Use the three maps to answer the questions on this on-line activity sheet.
   
8. How are colors used on maps to show elevation and vegetation? What else can colors be used for on maps?

The Internet Resources

• Cartography - The Art of Making Maps, the Science of Where You Are
• Finding Your Way With a Map and a Compass
• Find a Map at MapQuest
• Mapmaker, Mapmaker, Make Me A Map
• Nikki's Adventures
• Round Earth, Flat Maps
• Three Different Maps of Salt Lake City
  • Activity Sheet for Three Salt Lake City Maps

• Go to the site Nikki's Adventures and read the story of a little girl's trip to the fair.
  
• Using the descriptions Nikki gives from the hot air balloon, and other information provided in the story, do your best to draw a map of the fairground. Read the story carefully, and include all of the fair attractions mentioned. Label your map and use a scale if necessary.
  (Hint: Everyone's map will look slightly different because the specific locations of attractions are not given. Don't forget to include important features such as the entrance to the fair, and the ticket booth!)
  
  
• In a paragraph or two, describe what type of map you have drawn and explain how you went about drawing it. Was it difficult? How useful would this map be for other people who were trying to find their way around the fairground? Give two or three examples from the other sites you browsed in your treasure hunt that would have helped make your drawing easier or more accurate.