Types of Maps

Objectives

1. Define cartography and atlas

2. Identify the main parts of a map

3. Recognize that different types of maps serve different purposes

cartographythe study and practice of making

maps

The first map was the Babylonian map from 6th century BCE and was called the Imago Mundi map. It was carved on stone, and can tell us allot about how early humans saw the world.

A wooden map made by Marshall Islanders to show ocean currents in the Pacific

Ocean.

Compass Rose

• North• South• East•West

Cardinal Directions

Scale

• Tells what a certain distance on the map stand for on the surface of the Earth

Key or Legend

Symbols used to represent real objects.

Grid

• Usually latitude and longitude lines• Sometimes letters and numbers

A map projection is a way to represent the curved surface of the Earth on the flat surface of a map.

Mercator Projection

atlas

A collection of maps

Interrupted Projection

Distortion

Each projection has its own advantages and disadvantages, and all of them produce distortion in at least one of four categories:

• the shapes of land and water areas• the relative sizes of land and water areas• distances between places• angles of direction between places

Political maps

They show where the boundaries and locations of countries, states, cities, towns and counties are. These boundaries and locations are generally determined by people rather than nature.

Historical maps

compare the changes in an area over time.

Topographic Maps

Include contour lines to show the shape and elevation of an area.

Aerial maps

Photo maps taken from up in the air.

Weather maps

Show predictions of coming weather or report on weather that is actually happening.

Road maps

Show where roads, highways, routes, etc. are. The more a user zooms in on a map the more detailed the map is as to local roads, routes, etc.

Climate Maps

Give general information about the climate and precipitation (rain and snow) of a region.

Economic or Resource Maps

Feature the major types of natural resources or economic activity in an area.

Physical Maps

Illustrate the physical features of an area, such as the mountains, rivers and lakes.