DOGSTAILS is an acronym for the tools we use to make maps.

D stands for date. It’s good practice to include the year the map was made.

Orientation is shown by a compass rose.

Grid shows latitude and longitude lines which aren’t appropriate for all kinds of maps but are useful for large scale maps.

Scale shows how the size of the map relates to the real thing.

Title names the map.

Author names who made the map.

Index is a list of places on the map, which is not often included.

Legend, or key, shows what symbols on the map mean.

Situation shows where it is related to other places.

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