Reading and understanding maps and directions

地图 (dìtú): Refers to ‘map’. It’s an important tool for understanding the geographical layout of a community or an area.
方向 (fāngxiàng): Translates to ‘direction’. When reading a map this term is crucial for understanding which way to go.
北, 南, 西, 东 (běi, nán, xī, dōng): Represent ‘north, south, west, east’ respectively. These cardinal points are fundamentals in understanding directions and orientation on a map.
路径 (lùjìng): Defines a ‘path’ or ‘route’. This is the way that connects two or more points on a map.
距离 (jùlí): Stands for ‘distance’. It represents the space between two points on a map.

Types of Maps Commonly Used

交通地图 (jiāotōng dìtú): Known as ‘traffic map’. It specifically showcases roads, railways, bus routes and is heavily used in commute.
政区地图 (zhèngqū dìtú): Refers to a ‘political map’. It highlights the political boundaries of countries, states, cities and such within a given area.
自然地图 (zìrán dìtú): Translates to ‘physical map’. It highlights the physical features such as mountains, rivers, etc within a geographical area.

左转 (zuǒzhuǎn) and 右转 (yòuzhuǎn): These terms mean ‘turn left’ and ‘turn right’ respectively, and are necessary for giving or following directions.
直行 (zhíxíng): This means to ‘go straight ahead’, and is a common instruction found in both pedestrian and vehicular directions.
在…附近 (zài fùjìn): Refers to ‘near …’. A phrase typically used when describing the relative location of a place.
离…多远 (lí… duō yuǎn): Translates to ‘how far from…’. Useful in enquiring about distance from a certain place.

Sample sentence application: “从这里直行然后左转,你就会看到图书馆在公园的附近” (Go straight ahead from here then turn left, you will see the library near the park).