Let me tell you a story, my little friend,
About a map that we can comprehend.
It's not just any map, you see,
It's a topographic map, let's take a peek!

A cartographer drew this map with care,
To show us the land that's out there.
With lines and colors, he made it clear,
To help us understand what's near.

The compass rose shows us directions,
North, south, east, and west, without any objections.
We use it to know where we stand,
To find our way in this vast land.

Elevation tells us how high or low,
The land is where we want to go.
Mountains, hills, and valleys too,
With this map, we can see them through.

The scale is there to help us know,
How far it is from here to go.
We measure distance with it, you see,
To know how long it takes to be free.

The key shows us what symbols mean,
Like a mountain or a stream.
It's like a code that we can read,
To make sense of the map with speed.

So there you have it, my little friend,
A map to help us comprehend.
With a topographic map in our hand,
We can explore this beautiful land!

Reflections

1. What is a topographic map and how is it different from other types of maps?
2. Why is a compass rose important on a map, and how does it help us find our way?
3. How does elevation information on a topographic map help us understand the land and plan our route?
4. How can we use the scale on a map to estimate the distance we need to travel?
5. What does the key on a topographic map tell us, and why is it important?
6. Can you think of a time when you might need to use a topographic map?
7. How do you think a cartographer makes a map, and what skills do they need?