Maps What are the different kinds of maps?

What is a map? A map is:  A picture or representation of the Earth's surface, showing how things are related to each other by distance, direction, and size.  A map is not a photograph of the Earth's surface. It can show many things that a picture cannot show, and as a result, a map looks different in many ways from a photograph of the Earth's surface.

Map Basics  Title: The area the map is showing  Legend/Key: shows the user what different symbols mean. For example, a star inside a circle indicates the capital city.  Scale: indicates the relationship between a certain distance on the map and the distance on the ground. For example, 1 inch = 100 miles  Compass Rose: used to display the orientation of the cardinal directions—North, East, South and West—and their intermediate points.

Types of Maps There are several different types of maps, each created for a specific purpose. The different map types are:  Political  Physical  Topographic  Economic/Resource Maps

The History of Maps  The oldest known maps are preserved on Babylonian clay tablets from about 2300 B.C.  Medieval maps: European maps were dominated by religious views. In this map format, Jerusalem was depicted at the center and east was oriented toward the map top. Maps were drawn by hand which made distribution very difficult.

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 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 state borders or city markings. These divisions are created by people. For example, there is no actual line dividing Texas from its bordering states.

Physical Maps  Let’s look at an example of a 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.

Physical Map - Notes  Illustrate the physical features of an area, such as the mountains, rivers and lakes.  The water is usually shown in blue. Colors are used to show relief—differences in land elevations. Green is typically used at lower elevations, and orange or brown indicate higher elevations.

Political Maps  Political maps show how humans have impacted the landscape. For example, city names, roads, country borders, etc. are all part of political maps.  A political map often uses colors to show the boundaries between states or countries.

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

Political Maps  Let’s look at some examples of political maps.

Political Maps

Political Maps - Notes  Indicate state and national boundaries and capital and major cities.  Do not show physical features.

Topographic Maps  Include contour lines to show the shape and elevation of an area.  Lines that are close together = steep terrain,  lines that are far apart = flat terrain.

Topographic Map Mt. Marcy Adirondack Mountains, NY

Topographic Map

Economic/Resource Maps  Shows natural resources or economic activity that dominates an area. Cartographers use symbols to show the locations of natural resources or economic activities. For example, oranges on a map of Florida tell you that oranges are grown there.

Economic Map

Map Review  What is the purpose of a Political map? To show borders of countries, states, cities

Map Review  What is the purpose of a Physical map? Physical maps show what the surface of the world looks like.

Map Review  What is the purpose of a Topographical Map Show contour lines to show the shape and elevation of an area

Map Review  What is the purpose of a Resource Map? Feature the type of natural resources or economic activity that dominates an area..

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  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.

Quick Quiz 1.This map represents a small area with lots of detail. It has contour lines as well as natural and man-made features. _______________ 2.This map uses colors to show height above sea level. 3.These colorful maps show lines that people use to divide countries and states. They also show major cities. _____________________

3. These maps show physical features on the Earth like rivers, mountains, and deserts. ____________________________ 4.These maps show how land is being used. For example, they might show which crops are being grown or what animals are being raised. __________________________