A sketch map is a simplified illustration of an area, to show the basic positions of certain features. These maps are drawn from the same perspective as a vertical aerial photograph (ie, looking directly down on an area). Sketch maps are generally not drawn to scale. A scale is a ration used to show how a dimension on a map corresponds with the dimension it represents in the real world. Sketch maps range from maps of rail networks to floor plan guide maps of museums. They even include hand drawn sketches, which show the way to a friend's house, for instance.

How to make a sketch map

Sketch maps are created and used by a wide variety of people. Some sketch maps are drawn from memory. They usually show the main features of an area, enabling a person to find their way to and from certain locations within that area. Many people consider sketch maps easy to use because they are not cluttered with unnecessary detail.

To draw a sketch map, you will need:

  1. a piece of paper
  2. a pencil
  3. a ruler
  4. an eraser