Geography

Types of Maps

Learning Target I can interpret (read) and compare maps

of the United States.

What kind of maps can you find?

Political Show state and national borders, and

capital and major cities. A capital city is usually marked with a star

within a circle.

Physical Illustrates the physical features of an area.

Mountains, rivers and lakes.

Climate Gives general information about the

climate and precipitation (rain and snow) of a region. use colors to show different climate or

precipitation zones

Thematic Maps that show patterns of recreational

choices, time zones, languages, education, etc. Example:

NFL teams NBA teams MLB teams National Parks Colleges

Regional

Map Project Task You will be creating a map of a United

States, but focusing on a state to learn more about.

Types of maps: Political Physical Thematic Climate Regional

Project Details Research:

Use resources to create your map and learn more about the state.

Presentation Elements:

Title, Compass Rose, Legend, Data

Comparing and Reading Types of Maps You will do this the day the maps are due with your

map and other maps…Monday, DECEMBER 1st!

Steps Find out your type of map and state from

Mrs. Shetler.

Research information needed for your type of map.

Plan: use pencil to start. Don’t forget to make a map key. Mrs. Shetler will provide the map outline of United

States for you.

Insert Data

Final Step: & Color

What your map needs? (besides main elements)

Political Plot and label 10-15 populous

cities in the country. Plot and label capital city of your

state.

Regional Color code the different regions

of the United States.

Physical Mountains Major rivers, lakes, oceans, and

deserts Other?

Thematic Choose a topic & get it

approved by Mrs. Shetler Ex. Time Zones, Sports

Climate Choose a season to show

average temperatures, precipitation, or snowfall.

Optional Label states

Map Assignments: Mettler Political

Tia (WA), Kayden (KY), Paige (NE), Sophia (MN), Beth (VA)

Physical Alvin (LA), Hope (FL),

Finn (NY), Dylan (GA)

Climate Victoria (WI), Molly

(OK), Rawlin (MS), Jacob (OH)

Thematic Megan (CA), Autumn

(AK), Becca (NM), Hannah (TN), Casey (PA)

Map Assignments: Shetler Political

Ryilee (SC), Caroline (UT), Halle (KS), Alex (MT)

Physical Sven (RI), Izzy (AZ),

Zach (ME), Brayden (IA), Luke (SD)

Climate Aurora (HI), Ben (OR),

Alison (ID), Lexi (AR)

Thematic Parker (CO), Morgan

(TX), Paige (WY), Anja (NV)