The Geographer’s Basic Tools

A map is a representation of the earth features drawn on a flat service. Maps use symbols and colours to represent the features of an area. A map also simplifies the real world. Maps may not show every detail of the land, but simplifies it to make it easier to understand.

Large & Small Scale Maps A scale of a map shows the relationship between the size of an object in real life and its size as drawn on a map. Maps are described as either large scale or small scale maps. Small scale maps show a small amount of detail of a large area. EG. The maps on the wall.

Small scale maps are used to show more general information such as physical, political, or economic information. A large scale map show a large amount of detail of a small area. They are used for more detailed tasks such as residential planning & military operations.

Types of Maps There are many different types of maps, such as political, navigational, topographic, etc. We are only going to examine a few of these, which we will classify into three broad headings.

General Purpose Maps A general purpose map provide many types of information on one map. These maps give a broad understanding of the location and features of an area. You gain an understanding of the type of landscape, the location of urban centers & the location of major transportation routes all at once.

Thematic Maps Thematic Maps provide very specific information about a place. These maps are designed to show information on one particular topic or theme.

Topographic Maps Topographic maps use symbols to show a variety of features. Two important features are contour lines (showing changes in elevation) & a grid system that is used for locating places on the map. These maps are useful for examining a small area of the Earth’s surface in great detail.

Geotechnology Maps have always been printed on paper. Once a map was printed, it was almost impossible to make significant changes. Computer technology is changing maps and mapping. Maps now exist in digital form, allowing users to customize the presentation of data in the way to best meet their needs. They can choose what information to include, different scales, map projections, colours and so on.