Primary Source Analysis Worksheet - Maps

Use one of these maps for this exercise, or another of your choosing.

• Numbers and Distribution of Shacks by Census Tracts
• Smith Cove Sanitary Fill Area
• Cedar River Watershed

Look at the map and answer the following questions:

1. What kind of map is this?

__ Street map	__ Political map
__ Topographical map	__ Natural resource map
__ Property map	__ Other
__ Thematic map (theme: ____________)

2. What physical features does the map have?

__ Compass	__ Scale
__ Handwritten notes	__ Title
__ Name of mapmaker	__ Legend/key
__ Color	__ Other: ____________

3. What is the date on the map, if it has one?

4. What person and/or agency created the map? Can you tell where it was produced?

5. Why do you think the map was created?

6. What users do you think the mapmaker had in mind when he or she created this map?

7. Are there any associated documents to this map that would help provide context for its creation?

8. What does this map tell you about land use? Past use? Potential future use?

9. List three things in the map that you think are important.

Adapted from the National Archives