- Definition
An annotated map is a map with extra notes or drawings added to it that explain something about a place or an event that happened there.
A map of a historical battlefield with notes showing where different troops moved is an annotated map.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: An annotated map is like drawing little notes and pictures on a family vacation photo to remember what you did in each spot.
Ask your child: If we drew a map of our neighbourhood, what notes would we add?
Common mix-up: Kids may think an annotated map just shows where places are. The key is that the notes add extra information, like what happened there or what it's like.
Examples
- A weather map with notes showing where it is raining or sunny.
- Drawing a map of the playground and adding notes about the best hiding spots for a game.
annotated map is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
