To be able to use maps, you must know how to read them. The language of a map is really quite simple. A good map will include instructions to help you understand them. Once you have become familiar with the language of maps, you will be able to use them to find out many things. One of the most basic uses of maps is to help you find specific places.
All location is relative.
You need a starting pint. Everything else will be described as being a certain distance and direction from that point. The earth has two natural starting points. These are the North and the South poles. The ancient Greeks invented a geographic grid, this grid is still in use today.