Themes
How To: Read a Map
What are maps for?
Maps show you what a place looks like. They are used to help you find your way around or plan a route. Maps of the same area but of different ages will show you how a place has changed over time. Aerial photographs also show you what a place looks like and provides information on a snapshot in time. For example they can show you at a glance what a place really looks like.
Portsmouth Dockyard aerial view (B. Patterson)
Map of Portsmouth Dockyard (PRDHT)
On the photograph can you see where the ships berth? Unlike maps, they are not very useful for working out routes. Can you see why by comparing the aerial photograph and map?
How do you use a map?
There are tools to help you read a map. Click on the hotspots below to find out more.
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