As part of service to the public, the NAMRIA website offers a learning experience to its visitors online. This service includes a variety of mapping lessons, map reading in particular, to make people aware of the importance of maps in everyday life.

What is a map? A map is a graphical representation of the earth surface. It is a simplified depiction of a space, a navigational aid which highlights relations between objects within that space. Most usually a map is a two-dimensional, geometrically accurate representation of a three-dimensional space.

Features of a Topographic Map

Located on the boundaries or just outside the map, there are features used to aid in reading and understanding it. Normally maps share common features, but others may omit them depending on the type and use of that map.

Below is a topographic map of Manila, Philippines. A topographic map may have different features compared to a thematic map.

Explore the boundary by moving your mouse over the features.

Map Symbols

Types of Maps

Navigational Tip

In measuring road distance on a map, use the scale bar. First, get a thread or a string. Second, mark your point A and point B. Third, measure the distance from point A to point B by scaling along the road, following every turns and curves, using the string. Fourth, when you reached point B, cut the string. And lastly, hold the string against the scale bar and count the number of intervals that the string has covered.

If the entire length of the string cover 4 points of the scale and the scale has a 5km interval, just multiply the number of points by five. You will get 20. As a result, the road distance from point A to point B is 20 kilometers.