Info The 10 Required Map Elements

Every map that you create in this course from day one MUST contain all 10 basic map elements. These elements are the bare minimum information that your maps must include. The map below shows each one with an explanation.

1. Map Body - The map body shows the area under discussion and all the data being included. You might call it the "actual map", even though the map is not complete without the other 9 elements. It should take up most of the space on the page layout.
2. Title - The title tells what the map is all about. It should be in a prominent area and in a large font.
3. Legend - The legend explains what all the symbols on the map mean. It should be easy to find and easy to read.
4. North Arrow - The north arrow helps the map reader get oriented.
5. Scale - The scale informs the reader of the size relationship between the map and the real world. It can be shown in a bar or described in words or numbers.
6. Source - All the sources you used for map data need to be credited here.
7. Projection - No flat map can perfectly represent a 3D globe - the projection describes how that transformation is done. It can also be a called a spatial reference.
8. Author - You matter! Give yourself (and anyone who helped you) credit for making the map.
9. Date - The date you finished making the map. In a classroom setting, this can instead be the date the assignment is due, even if you made it earlier.
10. Neatline - This is the thin line containing all the other map elements so none of them are "loose".