What are the different kinds of maps?

What is a map? A map is: A picture or representation of the Earth's surface, showing how things are related to each other by distance, direction, and size. A map is not a photograph of the Earth's surface. It can show many things that a picture cannot show, and as a result, a map looks different in many ways from a photograph of the Earth's surface.

Map Basics Title: The area the map is showing Legend/Key: shows the user what different symbols mean. For example, a star inside a circle indicates the capital city. Scale: indicates the relationship between a certain distance on the map and the distance on the ground. For example, 1 inch = 100 miles Compass Rose: used to display the orientation of the cardinal directions—North, East, South and West—and their intermediate points.

Types of Maps There are several different types of maps, each created for a specific purpose. The different map types are: Political Physical Topographic Economic/Resource Maps

The History of Maps The oldest known maps are preserved on Babylonian clay tablets from about 2300 B.C. Medieval maps: European maps were dominated by religious views. In this map format, Jerusalem was depicted at the center and east was oriented toward the map top. Maps were drawn by hand which made distribution very difficult.

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

Physical Maps 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. Notice you do not see state 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 an example of a physical map.

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. Wars and ethnic conflict are two major causes political maps change.

Political Maps Let’s look at some examples of political maps.

Political Maps

Political Maps

Political Maps - Notes Indicate state and national boundaries and capital and major cities.

Include contour lines to show the shape and elevation of an area. Topographic Maps Include contour lines to show the shape and elevation of an area. Lines that are close together = steep terrain, lines that are far apart = flat terrain.

Topographic Map Mt. Marcy Adirondack Mountains, NY

Topographic Map

Economic/Resource Maps Shows natural resources or economic activity that dominates an area. Cartographers use symbols to show the locations of natural resources or economic activities. For example, oranges on a map of Florida tell you that oranges are grown there.

Economic Map