TYPES OF MAPS

COMPLETE YOUR GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

PHYSICAL MAPS
Shows physical features
mountains rivers oceans bodies of water deserts plains

POLITICAL MAPS
shows political features
national borders state and provincial boundaries capitals and other important cities

THEMATIC MAPS
Shows specific types of information: Population (e.g., distribution and density) Economic activity Resource Language Ethnicity Climate Precipitation Vegetation

Which areas are the most populated? Least populated? Why do you think that is?

What kind of climate does most of Australia have?

What is the largest religious/ethnic group in Iraq? What is the largest city?

MENTAL MAPS
Based on objective knowledge (what we know to be true) and subjective perceptions (how we see the location) Uses include ...
Carry out daily activities (e.g., route to school, shopping) Give directions to others Understand world events

MENTAL MAPS
People improve their mental maps through both personal experience and learning Serve as indicators of how well people know the spatial characteristics of certain places