Maps

MapsMaps

3 types of maps

Physical Political Special purpose

Political Maps

Usually colored by country or by state Political colors make it easy to compare size,

shape, and location Bold letters often make the country names

stand out Symbols make it easy to tell capitals from

other cities Political maps also name certain physical

features, such as rivers and lakes

The World Political Political maps show how people have

divided places on the Earth into countries, states, cities and other units for the purpose of governing them.

World Political Map

Political Maps Political maps change frequently (physical

maps change very, very slowly through geologic processes) and must be redrawn often. A political map of the world that is 50 years old is no longer accurate.

Political maps show how humans have impacted the landscape. For example, city names, roads, country borders, etc. are all part of political maps.

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

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 Map

Has colors that make natural patterns stand out

The colors on the map can stand for types of vegetation, mountain, and natural features

Names of big natural features are easy to see Physical maps also include some political

information, such as boundaries

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.

Physical Maps

Notice you do not see country borders or city markings. These divisions are created by people. For example, there is no actual line dividing Texas from its bordering states.

The World Physical Physical maps show what the surface of

the Earth looks like.

World Physical Map

Physical Maps There are different types of physical maps.

• Relief Maps – Show the difference in height between land

• Elevation Maps – Show the elevation, or height above sea level.

Special Purpose Maps

Special Purpose Map Special purpose maps are made to present

specific kinds of information. They usually show or emphasize one subject or

theme. The title of the map tells what kind of special

information is being shown on the map. Some examples of special purpose maps are

climate, natural resources, population density, and many more.

It is very important to look at the title and key to see what information is being emphasized.

Global Climates This map shows the general climate regions

of the world.

World Religions Religious beliefs help define a people’s culture, so to

understand a people, it is important to consider what religions influence that group.

Resource mapShows the resources of an area of the world.

Product map

Shows the products from a given area of the world.

Population MapA map that shows different population of the world it is an example of a thematic map. Also, shows a certain area of population.

Vegetation mapMaps which locate different kinds of plant cover in a geographic area.

Oceans of the World The world has five major oceans. Atlantic Pacific Arctic Indian Southern Pacific

ocean

Southernocean

Arcticocean

Indianocean

Atlanticocean

Continents of the World

Map Review What is the purpose of a Political map?

Map Review I am planning a trip to New York. What kind

of map would I most likely need?

A political map Why?

A political map would show me states and cities. This is information that I would likely

need to know if going to New York.

Map Review What is the purpose of a Physical map?

Map Review Think about a hiker. What kind of map

would they need?

A physical map.

Why?

They would need to know things like where mountains, forest, and rivers are.

Map ReviewName some types of special purpose maps.