Types of Maps--Physical Maps

Physical maps show location and topography (shape) of the

Earths physical (naturally occurring) features
Examining the Earths physical features can explain
choices made by people about the development of a
country
Mountains are barriers to transportation and
migration
Rivers and streams are methods of transportation
and can provide access to the interior of the
country
Types of Maps--Physical Maps
Physical maps have:
Water features
Rivers, streams, lakes,
oceans
Landforms
Mountains, plains,
plateaus, valleys
Relief and Elevation
Shading and texture show
relief (the difference in
elevation) about sea level
Types of Maps--Political Maps

Political maps show boundaries

and locations of political
units, like countries, states,
counties, provinces, cities,
and towns.
Most features on political maps
are human-made (determined by
humans rather than nature)
Types of Maps--Political Maps
Political maps show:
Human-made features
Territorial boundaries, capitals, cities, roads,
highways, railroads
Physical features
Relief (changes in elevation), rivers, mountains
Non-subject areas
Areas outside of the subject of the map (neighboring
countries, etc.)
Usually in a different color to set them apart from
the subject
Labelled to give context to the map
Types of Maps--Thematic Maps

Thematic maps emphasize a

single idea or particular
information about an area.
Thematic maps can show:
climate, natural
vegetation, population
density, economic
activities
Types of Maps--Thematic Maps

Qualitative Maps

Use colors, symbols,

lines, or dots to show
information related to
specific ideas
Often used to show
historical information
Types of Maps--Thematic Maps
Flow-line Maps

Flow-line maps
illustrate the movement
of people, animals,
goods, ideas, as well as
physical processes like
hurricanes and glaciers
Arrows are used to
represent the flow and
direction of movement