Map Skills—Types of Maps

Types of MapsThere are many different types of maps. These

include, but are not limited to:• Political Maps—Show country borders and

sometimes major cities• Topographical or Relief Maps—Show physical

features and elevation• Thematic Maps—Focus on a specific topic or theme

(ex. precipitation, climate, natural resources, land use, and population)

Check out these examples!

Political Map

Topographical Map

Thematic Map

Not to confuse you but…

• Sometimes maps can be of more than one type. For example, your atlas includes a lot of “Political Relief Maps”. These are a combination of political and topographical maps.

Your Task• Title a piece of white lined paper--MAP

SKILLS. This will be a page in your SS clear book.

• Make a subheading called--Types of Maps

• Use a classroom desk atlas to answer the following questions about map types. Feel free to ask your table mates for help if you need it.

• We’ll review the answers together in 5-10 minutes.

Questions1. What type of map (political, topographical/relief,

or thematic) do you find on page 32? What information can you gather from this map?

2. What type of map do you find on page 62 and 63? What information can you gather from this map?

3. What kind of map do you find on page 156? What information can you gather from this map?

4. What kind of map do you find on page 164? What information can you gather from this map?