Types of Maps

Why we use maps There are many different types of maps that are in common use today. Depending on your purpose will determine the kind of map you need.

Climate Zone Map Divisions of the earth’s climate (weather) zones

Vegetation Map A type of map which shows vegetation zones (desert, evergreen forests, grasslands, farmlands)

Population density This map shows the population (number of people) in an area.

Economic Activity This map shows what the land is used for (hunting, farming, fishing) and what resources (coal, natural gas, oil) are common in the area.

Physical Maps Physical Maps help you see landforms (mountains, plains, volcanoes) and bodies of water (oceans, lakes, rivers).

Political Maps Political Maps show human created features (cities, states, countries, boundaries)

Robinson Map Projection Robinson Projections show the curves of the earth and nearly the true sizes and shapes of continents and oceans, however land at the poles is flattened.

Mercator Projection Map Mercator Maps show most of the continents as They look on a globe, but it is a flat map. It stretches out the land at the poles. This type of map is often used for navigation.