Geography of Canada Types of Maps

Types of maps Maps come in four main types: –General Purpose (have many things on them) –Topographic: physical features of a location represented by symbols and colours –Thematic Maps (one topic) –Digital Maps: (GIS maps)

General Purpose Maps –Provides many types of information on 1 map. Uses symbols and colours to indicate major roads for transportation purposes –Often includes parks, hospitals, and tourist attractions

Types of Maps:Topographic Maps Topographic Maps –Shows both natural and human made features on the Earth’s surface –Shows the Earth’s surface in great detail (large scale) –Depicts the height of land features (topography) –Often shows roads, settlements, vegetation cover, power lines, etc.

Types of Maps: Topo Topographic Map of Blue Mountain (Collingwood)

Types of Maps: Thematic maps Thematic Maps –A map that shows the geographic patterns of statistical data –Are designed to display distributions over the Earth’s surface –Usually focuses on one theme or topic (e.g., population distribution)

Types of Maps: Thematic Thematic map showing electricity generating stations in Canada

Types of Maps: Digital Digital Maps –1.Computer programs: GIS: Arcview map maker (Geographic Information Systems) –2. Handheld devices: GPS units (Global Positioning Sytems) –3. Online: Google Maps is an example