Why Do We Use ‘Maps’ to Navigate and How Did They Start?

Maps are like magic pictures that help us find our way when we’re lost or exploring new places.

Long ago, people didn’t have maps, they had to remember paths and follow the stars. But as people started traveling more, especially on big journeys across land and sea, they needed something better than just memory. So, they began drawing maps, like pictorial stories of the world around them.

How Maps Began

At first, maps were simple pictures showing where mountains, rivers, or cities were. People used things like clay, stone, or even animal skins to make these early maps. Over time, they got more detailed and accurate. They added roads, distances, and even directions, just like a treasure map you might find in a pirate story.

Today’s maps are like magic guides that help us go from one place to another, whether we’re walking, driving, or flying. Maps make it easier for everyone to explore the world together!

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Examples

  1. A child uses a paper map to find the park.
  2. A sailor follows a sea chart across the ocean.
  3. A tourist studies a street map to find their hotel.

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