Different types of maps A map is the representation in two dimension of the totality or a portion of the earth. We have here two different types of maps: on the left, the planisphere of Mercator, which this a cylindrical representation of the earth and on the right, a polar projection on the earth, centered on the north pole.

The previous map aims to describe something (here the roads and highways system of eastern Asia). This kind of map is used to locate something that exists. The key can be more or less complex but not necessarily organised.

What kind of map have we here? What is the main information given here.

An analytical map: this kind of map represents one major information (here the major trade movements on the planet, it could also be the GDP, the HDI, the density of population…). It shows with colors, dots, arrows or strays how a geographical area is organized by a phenomenon (repartition of ressources, gaps and inequalities, differences…etc) On this map, we can see the main trade movements and how the different areas of the world are economically interconnected? Areas or nations?

Another example of the analysis of a phenomenon through a map: bribery

The use of mobile phone worldwide

Countries most exposed to climatic change

Countries exposed to China

An example of anamorphosis: the world population

Anamorphosis is a distorted projection or perspective. It could be used in some maps to emphasize the contrasts between some countries or some areas by applying graphic distortion to the representation of precise facts and data. Here the distortion of the size of the countries corresponds to their demographic weight.

A not so reassuring example of what anamorphic maps can illustrate… Which precise informations are given here?

Study the state system through maps. I – Global Conflicts map