Same Social studies › Maps and geography › Map elements: BOLTSS and TODALS
What are BOLTSS and TODALS?
Both are checklists for the parts a good map needs. BOLTSS: Border, Orientation (a compass rose or north arrow), Legend (also called a key), Title, Scale and Source. TODALS: Title, Orientation, Date, Author, Legend and Scale. Kids use them to read maps and to check maps they draw.
- Title and legend: what the map shows, and what the symbols mean.
- Orientation and scale: direction and distance.
- Source or author and date: who made it and when.
Why schools teach it
Maps are sources too
Students construct and use maps to show and explain places (C3 D2.Geo.1.3-5, D2.Geo.3.6-8). Reading the title, legend and scale first prevents most map mistakes. Knowing the author and date matters for old maps, which show what people knew then.
Teachers often grade student-drawn maps with BOLTSS or TODALS as the rubric.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
What's the title? What is this map about?
What do the symbols in the legend mean?
Which way is north?
OrientationWho made this map, and when?
Source or author and date
Skip this
- Assuming north is always up.Check the compass rose.
- Guessing what symbols mean.The legend says.
- Drawing a map with no title or legend.Those are usually the first points on the rubric.
See it in action
Checking a student map with BOLTSS
B, O, L
Border around the map ✓ · north arrow ✓ · legend for trails, lake and campsites ✓T, S
Title “Pine Lake Park” ✓ · scale bar, 1 inch = 1 mile ✓S
Source missing: add “Map by Ana, 2026, based on the park guide”
Some classes add a second S for Symbols or use TODALSS with S for Source.
Free practice sheet
Make a map elements sheet
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Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
BOLTSS or TODALS?
Both name a map's key parts. Use whichever your child's class uses.
What's the difference between a legend and a key?
Nothing. They're two names for the same box of symbols.
What is a compass rose?
The symbol that shows directions: north, south, east and west, sometimes with in-between directions.
Why does the date matter?
Borders and names change. An old map shows the world as it was.