Types of MapsSocial Studies 2014-2015

What are maps used for? In geography, maps are one of the most

important tools used to examine either the entire Earth or a specific part of it. Simply defined, maps are pictures of the Earth's surface. They can be general references and show political boundaries and the locations of cities, landforms, water, or very specific topics such as the average rainfall or the distribution of a certain disease throughout a county.

Taken from: http://geography.about.com/od/understandmaps/a/map-types.htm

Political maps  Political Maps - do not show

physical features. Instead, they show state and national boundaries and capital and major cities

Examples of political maps

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Physical Maps Physical Maps 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 usually used at lower elevations, and orange or brown show higher elevations.

Examples of physical maps

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What kind of map is…

What about this one?

What types of maps are these?

Economic/Resource Maps  Economic or Resource Map: An

economic or resource map shows economic activity or natural resources in an area.

Economic Map of Brazil

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Historical Maps A historical map shows locations,

events, or points of interest for a specific time in history. They may also focus on a geographical location.

Historical map of U.S. Exploration

More historical maps