A map is typically a representation of the earth's surface (or part of it), which highlights the relationship between objects within that area. This allows it to be used as a navigational aid or a planning tool.

The origins of map-making date back to the Stone Age, predating written language by several millennia, and maps have been found painted on the walls of caves and inscribed on clay tablets that are estimated to be 4-8,000 years old.

Today, modern technology has made it possible to collect and update information for mapmaking by remote sensing with airborne and satellite radar. Computerised geographic information systems are used to link information stored in databases to maps, increasing and varying the amount of information a map can display.

In this section, we take a look at the fundamental features of maps, with in-depth information on map scales and grid references, along with a handy guide to map symbols and abbreviations.