Social Studies: Nine Standard Elements of a Map (TODALSIGS) Practice
Identify and explain title, orientation, date, author, legend, scale, index, grid, and source
Social Studies: Nine Standard Elements of a Map (TODALSIGS) Practice
Identify and explain title, orientation, date, author, legend, scale, index, grid, and source
Social Studies - Grade 6-8
- 1
Write out what each letter in TODALSIGS stands for.
Think of the nine map parts in the same order as the letters in TODALSIGS.
TODALSIGS stands for Title, Orientation, Date, Author, Legend, Scale, Index, Grid, and Source. - 2
A map is labeled "Population Density of South America, 2020." Which TODALSIGS element is this label an example of, and what does it tell the reader?
This label is the title. It tells the reader that the map shows population density in South America for the year 2020. - 3
A map has a north arrow in the upper right corner. Which map element is this, and why is it useful?
Orientation helps you face the map in the correct direction.
The north arrow is the orientation. It helps the reader know directions on the map, such as north, south, east, and west. - 4
A classroom map shows a line marked "0 50 100 miles." Which TODALSIGS element is shown, and how could a reader use it?
The line is the scale. A reader can use it to estimate real-world distances between places on the map. - 5
A map uses blue lines for rivers, black dots for cities, and green shading for forests. Which element explains these symbols?
This element is sometimes called a key.
The legend explains the symbols and colors used on the map. It helps the reader understand what blue lines, black dots, and green shading represent. - 6
A map of ancient trade routes says it was created in 1985. Which TODALSIGS element is this, and why might it matter?
This is the date. It matters because maps can become outdated, and a reader should know when the map was made. - 7
A map lists "Created by the National Park Service" under the title. Which map element is this, and why is it important?
The author is the person, group, or organization that made the map.
This is the author. It is important because it tells who made the map, which can help the reader judge the map's reliability and purpose. - 8
A road atlas includes a page at the back that lists city names in alphabetical order with page numbers and grid locations. Which TODALSIGS element is this? Explain how it helps the reader.
This is the index. It helps the reader quickly find a place by using page numbers and grid locations instead of searching every map page. - 9
A map has letters across the top and numbers down the side, such as B4 and D2. Which element is this, and how is it used?
A grid works like coordinates on a board game or a city map.
This is the grid. It is used to locate places by matching a letter and a number to a specific section of the map. - 10
A student finds a map online. Under the map, it says "Data from U.S. Census Bureau, 2020." Which TODALSIGS element is this, and what does it tell the reader?
This is the source. It tells the reader where the map's information or data came from. - 11
Study this description of a map: It has a title, compass rose, legend, and scale, but it does not say who made it or where the data came from. Which two TODALSIGS elements are missing, and why could that be a problem?
One missing element tells who created the map, and the other tells where the information came from.
The missing elements are author and source. This could be a problem because the reader cannot easily judge who made the map or whether the information came from a reliable place. - 12
Imagine you are making a map of important locations in your school. Name four TODALSIGS elements you would include and explain one reason each would help the map reader.
Answers will vary, but a strong response may include a title to show the map's topic, orientation to show direction, a legend to explain symbols, and a scale to estimate distance. Other correct elements include date, author, index, grid, and source if they are explained clearly.