Map skills are an important and integral part of historical analysis. To interpret a map or series of maps allows for a broader understanding of an event, a concept, a strategy, or combination of these. Comparative analysis (compare and contrast) is common when interpreting maps. When presented with a series of maps, it is often a causation (cause & effect) analysis. For all maps, reading the title and interpreting the key are the most important items when analyzing a map. Maps can be intimidating and confusing, but practice with them will help broaden your understanding. You will see these on exams since they are a broader means by which to explain more complicated concepts.
