Types of Maps

Did you know there are many different types of maps? Different types of maps are meant for different purposes. Not all maps are used to find places. For example, climate maps show us the weather patterns that have been observed in a given area over a long period of time. By looking at a climate map, you can see the areas that receive more rainfall and areas that have dry weather.

World maps are generally political or physical. Political maps show territorial features such as countries, states, cities, towns, and the significant bodies of water. Political maps come in different sizes. It can cover large areas such as entire continents, or small areas such as states or cities.

Physical maps have been designed to show landforms like deserts, mountains, plains, rivers, and lakes. The typical colors of physical maps are blue, green and brown.

The most widely used map is the road map. For example, the GPS that people use everyday while driving their cars is a road map. It shows them where they are and how to get to their destination. By looking at a small road map, you can locate airports, city locations, parks, and monuments. Larger road maps give grater details and can give the overview of major routes.

Resource maps show us where certain natural resources are found. For example, by looking at resource maps you can see which state is rich in oil or where you can find coal. Symbols and letters are used to represent the resources present in the area. For example, a tree on a map represents a forest in the area.