Types of Maps Maps are amazingly useful tools. You can display information, data or make connections of seemingly unrelated things. Maps that show a wide range of general information about an area are called general purpose maps There are two types of general purpose maps: political and physical

Political Maps Political Maps show the names and boundaries of countries or states and often identify only major physical features.

Physical Maps Physical Maps identify specific landforms and water features.

Physical Maps Cont. Colors and shading may be added to a physical map to show relief-or how flat or rugged the land surface is. In addition physical maps may use colors to show elevation-the height of an area above sea level.

Physical Maps Cont. One kind of physical relief map that shows elevation is called a contour map. A contour map has contour lines-one line for each major level of elevation. All of the land at an elevation is connected by a line. These lines usually form ovals or circles, one inside of another. If the lines are far apart the surface is generally flat, if the line are close together, the land is generally rugged or steep Steep Flat

Special Purpose/Thematic Maps Some maps are made to present specific kinds of information Special purpose maps may present climate, natural resources, population density, or historical information.

Tools for Reading Maps Map Key/Legend- explains the symbols, and colors used on a map. Scale bar- a measuring bar that helps you determine distance on a map.