Types of Maps

Map scale distance on a map relative to the distance on Earth

Representative fraction & Ratio scale 1/50,000 or 1:50,000 Representative fractions are a unit-less relation between one “unit” on the map and how ever many “units” of the same type on the ground. An RF of 1:24,000 means one inch on the map equals 24,000 inches on the ground and one centimeter on the map equals 24,000 centimeters on the ground. The RF is versatile because you are not tied to any specific units. You may work in any unit you choose, either metric, English, or other. - See more at: http://www.sfei.org/book/export/html/1321#sthash.kVuZkHbJ.dpuf

Verbal scale – 1in. = 1 mile It is easy for us to understand that measurement on both sides. Useful if it is easily measureable. For U.S. maps, common mile-long units might be mile markers along roads if they are indicated or the U.S. Public Land Survey System for which most sections are one mile along a side. If we cannot determine the map units, a verbal scale is best used to help us understand the amount of reduction that took place to make the map. Like RFs, verbal scales become invalid if the map is enlarged or reduced in size.

Bar scale – black and white line To use a bar scale, measure a distance between two locations on a map. Compare the measurement to the bar scale to get a distance. On this map of Colorado, one inch equals 40 miles.

Large Scale vs. Small Scale

Large scale shows small areas in greater detail

Small scale maps show large areas in less detail

Which map has a larger scale? The map on the right has a larger scale as it shows a smaller section of Austin than the map on the right.

Time Zone Maps Time zone maps make it such that it is day and night at appropriate hours of the day. If we had only one time zone, it could be light or dark at noon depending on where you are on the planet. As you move west through time zones, the time of day shifts one hour earlier.

Time Zone Maps Time zones start at the Prime Meridian that runs N/S (lines of longitude) through western Europe and Africa. There are 24 time zones around the world.

Reference Maps Reference Maps shows locations of places, as well as human and natural geographic features. Reference Maps shows locations of places, as well as human and natural geographic features.

Physical maps highlight naturally occurring features

Political maps highlight man made features

This is a reference map of Iowa This is a reference map of Iowa. It shows human features such as towns and roads as well as political boundaries on the north and south of the state. It shows natural features such as lakes and rivers.

Thematic maps – show one theme This thematic map shows world climates.

Choropleth Choropleth map – uses shading to show different levels of data

Spatial thinking: Why are there higher levels of Latinos in southern Florida? Southern Florida has experienced chain migration from Latin America and now multiple generations live there. Chain Migration refers to the chains of foreign nationals who are allowed to immigrate because citizens and lawful permanent residents are allowed to bring in their non-nuclear family members.

Spatial thinking: Why are the five red states using the most water? They are the five most populated states.

Dot/Pin Dot Map Dot/Pin Dot Map– each dot represents a number of occurrences

Spatial thinking: Why is most of China’s population near the coast and NE area? Population density map of China Western China is arid and mountainous. Coastal areas are usually more populated due to economic opportunities revolving around trade and larger population areas. Also, NE China has a topography and climate suitable for farming.

Spatial thinking: Why do these areas grow corn? Spatial thinking: why do these areas grow corn? All crops have climate and soil needs that benefit them the most. These conditions are found in the Midwest as the Midwest had the right soil, precipitation amounts, and temperature for growing corn.

Graduated Symbol Graduated Symbol – uses a symbol to show frequency or intensity of variable

Isoline Isoline map – connects points of equal value to make lines on a map

Ex: Topographic Map The lines on a topographic map connect land with the same elevation above sea level.

Ex: Weather Map The lines (shown in different colors) on a weather map connect areas of similar temperature.

Cartograms Cartograms show size using data other than area

This cartogram shows the 50 states according to number of electoral votes.

What statistic was used to draw this cartogram??? Population!

Flow Line: shows movement with arrows of different size The larger the arrow, the greater the volume

Mental / Perceptual Maps Images of places we form based on our experiences and perceptions What would your mental map be of: Austin Buddhism Mars