The Many Types Of Maps

The Many Types The Many Types OfOf

MapsMaps

Political Maps• Show man-made boundaries

between countries, states, and provinces

• Also show important cities• Identifies only major physical

systems

Physical Maps• Show landforms and water

features• Show elevation using color or

contour lines• Look at key to identify various

colors used on the map

Contour Maps• Use lines to outline the shape – or

contour- of the landscape• Each contour line connects all points

that are at the same elevation.• If you walked along one contour line you

would always be at the same height above sea level.

Contour Map

Special Purpose Maps•Used to present specific kinds of

information•Usually show patterns•Make sure to notice the titletitle and

map keymap key!•Examples:ClimatePopulation Land Use ResourceTopographic…and many more!

Climate Maps• Show the average climates in a

region• Climate is the usual, predictable

pattern of weather in an area over a long period of time

Population Density Population Density MapsMaps• Show patterns of where

people live• Show how crowded a place

is• Show size of cities (using

dots or squares) and people per square mile or square kilometer (using colors)

Land Use Resource Maps● Show patterns of land use, or the

way people use the land they live on to meet their needs

• ColorsColors normally show land use patterns

• SymbolsSymbols normally show the locations of important resources

• Also called “Economic Activity Maps”

Others•Time Zone Maps •Transportation Maps •Topographic Maps •Historical Maps •And MANY MORE!!