Maps What are the different kinds of maps?

Political Maps  Political maps show how humans have impacted the landscape. For example, city names, roads, country borders, etc. are all part of political maps.  A political map often uses colors to show the boundaries between states or countries.

Political Maps  Political maps change frequently (physical maps change very, very slowly through geologic processes) and must be redrawn often. A political map of the world that is 50 years old is no longer accurate.  Wars and ethnic conflict are two major causes political maps change.

Political Maps  Lets look at some examples of political maps.

Political Maps

Physical Maps  Physical maps show what the surface of the Earth looks like.  A physical map highlights Earth’s natural features, such as landforms and water forms.

 Physical maps do not contain man made features.  For example, a physical map would be a map of what you would see if you were looking down on Earth from space. Physical Maps Notice you do not see country borders or city markings. These divisions are created by people. For example, there is no actual line dividing Texas from its bordering states.

Physical Maps  Lets look at am examples of a physical map.

Physical Maps  There are different types of physical maps. Relief Maps – Show the difference in height between land Elevation Maps – Show the elevation, or height above sea level.

Physical Maps Very detailed physical maps are called contour maps

Resource Maps  A resource map shows what agricultural products are grown or what natural resources are found in an area.

Population Map: A population map shows the population of an area and can also show population changes.

Transportation maps: Sometimes part of a political map, these maps show the roads and highways of an area and can be called road maps.

Map Review  What is the purpose of a Political map?

Map Review Which would I use on a hiking trip: a contour map or a road map?

Map Review  What kind of map would we use to tell how to drive to Florida?

Map Review  What kind of map would you look at to see if oats are grown in Virginia?