Map is a tool to read the situation and conditions in the field. The current form of maps also varies from conventional printed maps to digital maps that appear on computer screens or mobile phone screens.
Apart from being used as one of the materials in scouting, maps are also used for survival science. So by knowing the science of maps, you can find out where the location will be, and resources such as water sources and other important locations that are used to survive.
To be able to read maps better can be known with special knowledge. The science that studies map making is cartography. Many maps have a scale, which determines how large objects on the map actually are. A collection of several maps is called an atlas.
Understanding Maps According to Erwin Raisz
According to Erwin Raisz, a map is a conventional depiction of the earth's surface which is reduced by various appearances and added with writings as identification.
Map Benefits
Map is basically the benefit of the map is geographic information through the process of organizing the collaboration of other data related to the earth to analyze, estimate and produce cartographic images.
The first function of the map is as a means of indicating the position or location of a place on the earth's surface.
The second function of the map is to show the size of the area to the distance of a place on the earth's surface.
Important Elements in Map
There are a number of important elements that must be present in a map, including:
Title
The title is a reflection of the content as well as the type of map. Writing the title is usually at the top center, top right, or bottom. However, as much as possible placed on the top right. Legend Legend is a description of the symbols that are the key to understanding the map.Orientation or Direction Sign
The direction orientation is indicated by an arrow towards the top of the map. It is in the appropriate place if there is latitude and longitude, the coordinates can be used as directions.Scale
Scale is the ratio of the distance on the map to the actual distance on the ground. The scale is written below the map title, outside the outline, or below the legend.Symbol
A map symbol is a sign or image that represents the appearance on the earth's surface contained on the map of its appearanceMap Color
Map colors are used to distinguish features or objects on the earth's surface, to give the quality or quantity of symbols on the map, and for map aesthetic purposes.
Thus the explanation of the map which is a tool in conveying a spatial information. Currently, maps have developed, not only in conventional forms made of paper, but also in the digital direction. So there needs to be further learning so that the map function can be better utilized.