Maps

What is a map?
A map is a representation, usually on a flat
surface, of the features of an area of the
earth or a portion of the heavens, showing
them in their respective forms, sizes, and
relationships according to some convention
of representation.

Now what does that mean?

A bit simpler
A map is a drawing or picture of a specific
place that represents certain things, such
as borders, cities, landforms or thematic
information.

Types of Maps
There are three basic types of maps:

PHYSICAL
POLITICAL
and

THEMATIC.

Physical Maps
Physical maps show the
natural features of the
Earth.
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.

When you look at this map, what do you see?

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.

Although some astronauts (with the use of binoculars believe it or not) are
able to see roads, large ocean tankers, and even the Great Pyramids from
space, at very high altitudes, none of these are visible and all you are left with
are natural land formations.

Political Maps
Unlike physical maps, political maps show how humans
have impacted the landscape. For example, city names,
roads, country borders, etc. are all part of 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

Thematic Maps
Thematic maps can represent a variety of
information including things like climate,
precipitation, vegetation, elevation,
population, life expectancy, etc.
Thematic maps are generally used when
you are looking at a single piece of
information.

Parts of a map

As we have learned, maps contain

symbols that help you find places. They
also have a map key that lists the
symbols used on a map. It shows you
what they mean.

Parts of a map

A compass is a tool that shows

direction on a map. It helps you to
figure out whether you are traveling
north, south, east, or west.

Parts of a map

A map shows places smaller than they

really are but it can show true distance
using a map scale. A map scale is like a
ruler. It is used to measure distance.

Parts of a map

What is a globe?

A globe is a model of the Earth. The

green and brown parts represent the
land and the blue represents the water.

What can we see on a

globe?

Like a map, a globe shows places on

Earth. You can see the 7 continents and
the 5 oceans. It shows every part of the
Earth at one time!

What do we see on a
globe?

The globe also has a compass, but it is

used in comparison to the poles. You
may have heard of the North Pole. It is
nothing but the northern half of the
world. There is a North Pole and a
South Pole.

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What do we see on a
globe?

Globes also have a map key and map

scale. A globe is just a map of the
whole Earth.

What is the difference

between a map and a
globe?

A map is a drawing that shows where places are.

It is flat and drawn on a piece of paper.
and
A globe is a model of the Earth. Globes also
show where places are. It is a sphere because it
represents Earth and Earth is round.

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