Maps

What are the different kinds of maps?

Political Maps
Political maps show how humans have
impacted the landscape. For example, city
names, roads, country borders, etc. are all
part of political maps.
A political map often uses colors to show
the boundaries between states or countries.

Political Maps
Political maps change frequently (physical
maps change very, very slowly through
geologic processes) and must be redrawn
often. A political map of the world that is
50 years old is no longer accurate.

Wars and ethnic conflict are two major
causes political maps change.

Political Maps
Lets look at some examples of political
maps.
Political Maps
Political Maps
Physical Maps
Physical maps show what the surface of
the Earth looks like.
A physical map highlights Earths natural
features, such as mountains and forests.
Physical maps do not contain man made
features.
For example, a physical map would be a
map of what you would see if you were
looking down on Earth from space.

Physical Maps
Notice you do not see country borders or city markings.
These divisions are created by people. For example, there
is no actual line dividing Texas from its bordering states.
Physical Maps
Lets look at am examples of a physical
map.
Physical Maps
There are different types of physical maps.
Relief Maps Show the difference in height
between land
Elevation Maps Show the elevation, or height
above sea level.
Map Review
What is the purpose of a Political map?
To show borders of countries, states,
cities
Map Review
What is the purpose of a Physical map?

Physical maps show what the surface of the
world looks like.

Map Review
Think about a hiker. What kind of map
would they need?

A physical map.

Why?

They would need to know things like where
mountains, forest, and rivers are.

Map Review
I am planning a trip to New York. What
kind of map would I most likely need?

A political map
Why?

A political map would show me states and
cities. This is information that I would likely
need to know if going to New York.