Transcript Document
Maps
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
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.
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 map
Shows the resources of an area of the world.
Product map
Shows the
products from
a given area
of the world.
Population Map
A map that shows different population of the world it is
an example of a thematic map. Also, shows a certain area
of population.
Vegetation map
Maps which locate different kinds of plant cover in a
geographic area.
Oceans of the World
The world has five major oceans.
Atlantic
Pacific Arctic
ocean
Arctic
Indian
Atlantic
ocean
Southern Pacific
ocean
Indian
ocean
Southern
ocean
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 Review
Name some types of special purpose maps.