Follow these guidelines when creating a map. Your finished product will look professional and it will be a helpful addition to any project or purpose.

Elements of a Map	Directional indicator  - orients the reader - indicates direction - Use latitude / longitude or north arrow, not both. Title -  - explains the area and purpose of the map - Title is positioned at the top of the map, printed, in CAPITAL letters Scale -  - compares the distance on the map with the actual distance on the earth's surface - Can be a representational fraction, bar scale, or direct statement Legend - - explains all symbols and colours on a map - Located in a box, within the borders of the map Borders -  - isolates the map from other information Date - - Indicate the date so those reading the map will know if the information is recent.
Features on a Map	- Shown by carefully sized symbols, colours, or words - located as precisely as possible - label cities and towns parallel to the bottom of the page, and to the right of a dot (eg. Toronto) - physical features (lakes, rivers, mountains) may be labeled by following the natural direction of the feature, but must be contained within or along the boundary of the feature (eg. label a lake within the boundary of the lake (as much as possible))
Labels	- Use a ruler for all straight lines - Carefully size labels so that they fit properly and do not detract from the feature - Use different styles to reflect different types of features (eg. PROVINCE, Capital, Water Body)
Colour	- Always use colour to show something - ie. not just to make your map "pretty". - Use colours that contrast enough to make your map clearly readable - When colouring by hand, only use pencil crayon - Colour with light, uniform pressure and direction.
Name	- Always print your name (the map maker) in the bottom right hand corner of the map