Types of Maps – Geography – UGC NET – Notes

Introduction

• We use globe to understand the actual structure of Earth which represents our planet in right manner but in very small size as compared to its original size. It represents the size, shape, direction, distance and relation between the continents, oceans and other forms found on our Earth.
• But we cannot use and carry it everywhere. There are certain difficulties related with its use e.g. large size globe is also not able to provide vast information and more over its formation is also quite tough.
• Map provides the solution of above mentioned problems. Map is a visual representation of an area or selected features of Earth, typically on a flat surface with the help of traditional symbols on the scale which is reduced as compared to actual scale because various types of natural and man-made features are located on Earth and their collective representation is not possible on a single map. An attempt in relation to above mentioned situation will make a map purposeless and unintelligible.
• Inspite of this, in present era maps are not only used by army and students of geography. These are also used by Governments, Planners, Industrial, Commerce, Trade Sector etc.

• Physical Maps show natural features like mountains, rivers, and plains.
• Political Maps display boundaries of countries, states, and cities.
• Thematic Maps represent specific data such as population, rainfall, or vegetation.
• Topographic Maps depict elevation and landforms using contour lines.
• Climatic and Economic Maps show patterns of weather and the distribution of resources or industries.

Types of Maps

Different Types of Maps are designed on the basis of needs of various users:

On the Basis of Scale

• The scale on the map is shown in same ratio proportionate to the actual distance on the Earth. Meaning thereby, a map is just reduced form of Earth or a part of it, which finds its reduction at same proportionate ratio. The relation of scale of some map also relates with the purpose and information of a map. It is purposefully that maps are prepared on bigger or smaller scale.

(a) Land Maps:

• Such maps are used for Revenue records by land revenue officials and local government departments. These maps are prepared on large scale such as 1cm: 20 m or 1 cm: 40 m. Very small features such as extents of playgrounds situation of wells, trees and houses etc. are shown in such maps, origin of land use maps is found in France, where Cadasters were prepared in French language means revenue record registers were prepared in French language. These are used by the government for collection of taxes and revenue.

(b) Physical Map:

• Physical maps are designed to show the natural landscape features of Earth. They are best known for showing topography, either by colors or as shaded relief. Physical maps often have a green to brown to gray color scheme for showing the elevation of the land. Darker greens are used for near-sea-level elevations, with the color grading into tans and browns as elevations increase. The color gradient often terminates in shades of gray for the highest elevations.
• Rivers, lakes, seas and oceans are usually shown in blue, often with a light blue color for the most shallow areas and darkening in a gradient or by intervals for areas of deeper water. Glaciers and ice caps are shown in white colors.
• Physical maps usually show the most important political boundaries, such as state and country boundaries. Major cities and major roads are often shown. This cultural information is not the focus of a physical map, but it is often included for geographic reference and to increase the utility of the map for many users.
• A physical map is one that documents landscape features of a place. These maps generally show things like mountains, rivers, and lakes. Bodies of water are commonly shown in blue. Mountains and elevation changes are sometimes shown with different colors and shades to show elevation. On physical maps, greens usually indicate lower elevations while browns usually indicate higher elevations.
• This map of Hawaii is a physical map. Low elevation coastal regions are shown in dark green, while the higher elevations transition from orange to dark brown. Rivers are shown in blue.

(c) Wall Maps:

• Such maps are prepared on small scale to show whole of the world, some continents or climate, vegetation, soils, minerals, agriculture, transportation etc. of the world. These maps are used as teaching aids for students in class or labs. Although such maps are prepared on small scale yet related information is printed in large font.

(d) Atlas Maps:

• Various maps formed in the form of a book in an order are known as Atlas. As wall maps, these maps are also prepared on small scale and they represent various features of various countries and continents. These are meant for individual use. School Atlases are prepared for the use of students.
• These include detailed maps of various regions of countries and maps representing main features of continents are included in these Atlases. Inspite of this, Atlases based on particular subject are also prepared e.g. Population Atlas, Agriculture Atlas, Census Atlas etc. provide information about related topic.