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?

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 MapsUnlike 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.

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.

What have we learned?

1. Describe a map.

2. How is a map like a globe?

3. Describe a globe.

4. What is a map key?

5. What is the map scale used for?

6. What are borders?

7. What is the job of a compass?

Maps vs. Globes

• http://maps.google.com/