MAPS: WHAT ARE THEY FOR AND 6 TYPES - GEOGRAPHY - 2024

A map is a graphic that represents as closely as possible a specific territory, made on a metric scale, that is, much smaller than the real size, but keeping the proportions.

The oldest and most well-known form of map is the one that represents in a two-dimensional way on a plane or on a sphere all the countries that make up the globe. The first maps were made on sand or snow to demarcate an area and an action strategy. Later, the Babylonians 5000 years ago and more specifically the Greeks shaped the cartography.

World map (1689, Amsterdam)

The invention of the compass and the voyages of the conquerors greatly expanded the field of study. Today maps of all kinds are used to know an endless number of particular or general characteristics of some surface.

But this concept of a map is becoming obsolete in both its form and its use, since three-dimensional maps can now be found in digital and interactive form.

As is the case with Google Maps, where almost any place in the world can be seen, not only from a zenith, but the user can virtually walk its streets, thanks to the superimposition of many consecutive photos that Google updates periodically.

Although the first idea that comes to mind when we name the word "Map" is the well-known World Map, there are many different types of maps, each one with the function of representing and capturing data of various kinds.

To read and understand a map you have to know and know how to handle certain prior knowledge such as coordinates (latitude and longitude), orientation (cardinal points), scales (for example, 1 cm on the map is equivalent to 1 km in reality) and the symbology of cartography (how the limits, capitals, altitude, etc. are represented).

Currently, the word "map" is applied for many things, so that its functions will be given according to each particular case. Below we will briefly explain what some of these types of maps are and what they are for.

Types of maps, what are they for?

Geographic map

Within traditional maps there are endless types depending on what you want to show; for example: political-administrative, physical, hydrographic, temperature, relief maps, etc.

It can be said that traditional geographical maps serve to:

1. Delimit an area and learn about it as detailed as possible.
2. Have reference of its dimension with respect to a larger area or a whole.
3. Being located within a specific space or territory.
4. Find specific places.
5. Connect different points.
6. Measure or calculate distances.
7. Trace routes, mark routes or make itineraries.
8. Know data such as latitude, longitude and coordinates of a specific point.
9. Know the imaginary division of the world into meridians and parallels.

Weather maps

They are maps that explain and represent meteorological phenomena such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, winds and all the climatological information of a specific region. It is an active map, that is, it is constantly changing.

Risk maps

In this type of maps they serve to capture all the threat or danger factors that may exist in a community, city or delimited region, in order to take them into account and be prepared to take effective actions in emergency situations.

They represent all potentially dangerous elements: old buildings or monuments that could collapse in the event of earthquakes or hurricanes, dangerous bridges, rivers or flooded areas due to the arrival of heavy rains, volcanic areas, forests susceptible to fires in summer., etc.

It also indicates the location of hospitals, evacuation zones and nearby shelters, fire stations, police, civil defense and other aid institutions, as well as emergency telephones.

Conceptual maps

Concept maps are graphic diagrams that help organize concepts and knowledge. These maps are used to graphically capture concepts and visualize the connection between them.

They are very useful for studying or during the research process of a job. They serve to connect related ideas to each other, forming a network that facilitates the visualization of the whole, the memorization and, therefore, the learning.

Mental maps

A mind map is a diagram or diagram in which ideas, words, data or actions that revolve around a central idea or keyword are placed.

They are similar to concept maps, but more complete concepts are reflected in the latter and their distribution is more hierarchical (from general to particular), while mental maps are freer and more general, since only words or phrases are pointed out that serve as a reminder or thread of the main theme.

Mind maps are very useful for organizing and clarifying scattered ideas and giving them coherence. They also serve to have a global vision of an issue, remember, memorize and study more effectively, concentrate and find solutions to problems more quickly and ways to continue research.

Geoposition maps

In the digital age that we are living in, EVERYTHING - and maps are no exception - goes through technology.

Nowadays, just by sitting in front of a computer with internet access and a few clicks, it is possible to know any place with its most detailed characteristics and capable of updating itself in almost real time.

The most massive case is that of Google Earth and Google Maps which, thanks to satellite technology, has been able to show and allow us to “enter” any alley in the most remote neighborhood on the planet.

This technology has also allowed geo-position or geo-positioning, which is nothing other than the recognition and detection of an electronic device (whether this mobile or not) to point out the exact place where it is located and offer additional services such as indication of directions, assistance shuttle and nearby attractions.

It is the so-called GPS (Global Positioning System) and it is only the tip of the iceberg of a technology that still has a lot to offer.

References

1. Map. Recovered from es.wikipedia.org.
2. Geoposition. Recovered from es.dofuswiki.wikia.com.
3. What is a risk map? Recovered from eird.org.