TYPES OF MAPS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - GEOGRAPHY - 2025

The types of maps consist of the different cartographic options that can be used depending on the interest of the researcher. For this reason, maps not only make it possible to delimit the geography of a region, but they can also be used to study historical, political, climatic and even economic events.

Maps are graphic representations of a certain territory that have metric properties, which allow us to establish distances, angles and surfaces, which makes the maps different projections of reality.

World map (1689, Amsterdam)

In the beginning, maps were intended to know the world and were mainly made up of philosophical theories. Nowadays, maps are considered as an important source of information that contributes notions about different human activities and makes known natural phenomena.

Likewise, cartography currently relies on orthophotography, a discipline that allows us to know land surfaces through photographic presentations. Thanks to these advances, it is possible to know not only the exact contours of an area, but also ethnographic, hydrographic, geomorphological elements, among others.

Types of maps that exist

Barimetric map

Bathymetric relief map of Lake Superior. The author of the workand Great Lakes Bathymetry and GLOBE (see above and the Source section) / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Barimetric maps are responsible for recording the hydrography of those areas that are submerged. They should not be confused with hydrographic maps, since they indicate the rivers and seas that are perceived on the earth's surface.

Administrative map

Administrative map of Brazil. Brasil_administrative_map_PL.png: The original uploader was Aotearoa at Polish Wikipedia. / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

These maps are intended to represent the administrative organization of a region, especially in matters related to divisions, countries, borders and capitals.

Climate map

Climate map of Mexico. JavierRA / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

This type of map describes the prevailing weather patterns in a certain region. They are usually conventional maps that are covered in colors, which represent different climatic zones and degrees of temperature.

Topographic map

Topographic map. Image by claudia0spencer from Pixabay

Topographic maps are partial representations of the earth's surface. They should not be confused with topographic plans, since these maps can cover large areas of the region: a country, a provincial area, or even the world. Generally, topographic maps use contour lines, which allow you to record the shape of surfaces.

Political map

Political map of Europe. Source: pixabay.com

Political maps delimit states or other territorial units. They do not usually pay attention to geographical aspects such as terrain, settlements, road lines, among others.

Physical map

Physical map of Bulgaria. Source: pixabay.com

The physical map is in charge of exhibiting the geological phenomena that occur in a certain terrain. For this reason, in this type of map mountains, rivers and deserts are represented; They are the complete opposite of political maps, which only take into account the territorial organization arranged by man.

Economic map

The objective of economic maps is to represent the wealth or economic productions of each area; they may have a political division, but it is not a mandatory requirement. These maps show industrial zones, reserves (gas or oil), and livestock or agricultural holdings.

Road map

Road map of Almería (Spain). Miguillen / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

It is also known as a road map and its purpose is to facilitate the location of people in a certain place. Road maps are widely used by tourists, since they keep them oriented during their journey.

Thematic map

Maps of this type are inspired by topographic maps, since they use the same delimitation of the earth's surface.

However, thematic maps have very specific objectives: they can represent the density, vegetation or soils of a territory, but they can also encompass abstract notions such as quality of life, technological development, among others. Likewise, they are characterized by using all kinds of visual support, using different symbols and colors.

Aeronautical map

Aeronautical map. Força Aérea Brasileira / CC BY 3.0 BR (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/br/deed.en)

The aeronautical map is responsible for representing a portion of the earth's surface in order to serve the needs of air navigation. That is, it is a map whose purpose is to reflect the routes or lines that the planes must follow; for this reason, it is considered a very helpful tool for pilots around the world.

Schematic or Concept Map

Madrid's Underground. PerryPlanet / Public domain

Schematic maps are symbolic representations of a particular item or place. The most common example is in the maps that are placed in subway stations, which aim to help passersby to locate themselves more effectively. The schematic map is characterized by its simplicity and by using colors and legends that facilitate its quick understanding.

Time zone map

World time uses. TimeZonesBoy / Public domain

These maps are intended to show the time zones of the different geographical areas of the world. Generally, they use colors and are usually divided with vertical lines. Time zone maps allow anyone to know the time in a certain region of the planet.

Geological map

This type of map represents the geological features that occur on the surface of the Earth. For this reason, in these maps the different rock formations can be visualized along with their ages, which are identified with different colors.

In addition, they also represent earth deformations such as folds or faults (that is, they are linked to tectonics).

Postal code map

A postal code map is one where you can view the postal districts of a certain region or town. They are generally used by people to find out their exact address and provide specific information about their location.

Cadastral map

Cadastral maps show the boundaries of individual properties. It is considered as a complementary concept of the cadastral plan, where the graphics of a city or section that are delimited by private assets can be viewed.

Historical map

Map of World War II in the Asian continent. derivative work: RedTony (⇨ ✉) Second_world_war_asia_1937-1942_map_de.png: San Jose / CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)

Historical maps are those that represent events or places that existed before the map was made. They should not be confused with old maps, since the latter refer to cartographic activities carried out many years ago, the contributions of which are no longer valid.

A historical map, for example, would be a reconstruction of the territories that the ancient Roman Empire occupied. Generally, these types of maps have a didactic purpose and are widely used by teachers.

Old map

Old map of the city of California, when it was believed to be an island. Via wikimedia commons.

A map is considered old when its representations are out of date. For example, cartographic activities carried out before the discovery of America could be defined as old maps that only maintain historical, artistic and cultural value. In addition, over the years the territories changed their boundaries and even their names.

The old maps are used as a source of consultation to know how a certain culture conceived the terrestrial space and how it was oriented in the regions.

Continental map

Africa continental map. Nick Roux and Peter Fitzgerald, adapted by Cacahuate, Burmesedays, Joelf, Globe-trotter, LtPowers and Piet-c. / Public domain

Continental maps focus on illustrating a particular continent; They do this following a certain scale that can be between 1: 50,000,000 and 1: 20,000,000.

Hypsometric map

Hypsometric map of Pernambuco. Frag15 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

This type of map focuses on illustrating the different heights of a region; This is achieved by using different shades of a color.

Fantastic map

This map represents non-existent phenomena, places and objects, which are intended to entertain and encourage creativity. For example, a fantastic map could be one that the writer JRRTolkien made to show his readers the geography of the fictional continent known as Middle Earth.

Hydrographic map

Hydrographic maps are intended to illustrate the course of rivers and different surfaces with water, such as lakes.

Geopolitical map

This map tries to represent facts and theories related to geopolitics; This illustration is achieved through appropriate and easy to understand symbologies.

Urban map

Urban maps are responsible for delimiting the territories of large cities, such as a map of New York City or Paris. In these maps the streets and avenues are identified, along with the most emblematic places.

Rural map

A rural map tries to represent rural areas. Generally, these regions are located on the outskirts of large cities and are not crowded. In these maps you can identify rivers, lakes, mountains and any other natural feature of the terrain.

Touristic map

They are maps made exclusively for tourist consumption, so they include information that may be useful to foreigners; for example, where to locate a museum, a very famous restaurant or an emblematic statue.

General map

General maps represent a series of basic and diverse phenomena such as hydrography, coasts, relief, number of inhabitants, administrative boundaries and communication routes. Some consider these maps to be synonymous with topographic maps.

Phenological map

It is a kind of thematic map where the periodic manifestations of different living beings are represented, such as the migrations of seagulls or the voyages of whales. This classification also applies to maps illustrating human movements.

Pluviometric map

These maps are intended to indicate the distribution and amount of rainfall that occurs in a certain territory and on a specific date.

World map

Also known as world maps, they are cartographic representations that attempt to point out all the regions of the globe, specifying not only countries and continents, but also seas and oceans.

References

1. Leonard, J. (1970) Three types of maps. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from Taylor & Francis.
2. SA (2014) Elements of geography: types of maps. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from elements of geography.yolasite.com
3. SA (nd) What is a road map? Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from infoguia.com
4. SA (sf) Map of world time zones and zones. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from norfipc.com
5. SA (sf) Economic map. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from Definition.de
6. SA (sf) Physical map. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from Definicion.de
7. SA (sf) Political map. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from Wikipedia: es.wikipedia.org
8. SA (sf) Topographic map. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from Wikipedia: es.wikipedia.org
9. SA (sf) Map. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from Wikipedia: es.wikipedia.org
10. SA (sf) Types of maps. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from portaleducativo.net
11. Verdi, M. (2002) Learning with maps and texts. Retrieved on February 8, 2020 from Springer.