Maps! Elements of Maps—Types of Maps—How to Use Maps

Geography Unit: Lesson 2

What’s on a map?• Think about maps for a

moment. Visualize a map in your mind. What are some things that are on most maps that help us read the map correctly?

• Map Elements– Title– Legend/Key– Scale– Compass Rose– Latitude/Longitude Lines

Types of Maps• Not all maps can be used for the same purpose. • There are 3 main categories of maps.

3 Types of Maps

Physical Maps

Political Maps

Special Purpose/Themat

ic Maps

What is a physical map?

Examples:

Draw three key symbols that you might find on a

physical map and explain what they

represent.

When would you use this type of map?

Physical Maps

A map showing how the land looks (landforms, water and naturally occurring features on the earth)

• mountains• rivers• deserts• plateaus• seas

• lakes• canyons• valleys• basins• oceans

What is a political map?

Examples:

Draw three key symbols that you might find on a

political map and explain what they

represent.

When would you use this type of map?

Political Maps

A map showing how humans have divided the surface of the earth into countries, states and other political divisions (man-made borders)

• countries• states• cities

Maps may also show:• bodies of water • major landforms

What is a special purpose map?

List 5 examples of special purpose

maps.

When would you use this type of map?

Special

Purpose/Thematic Maps

A map showing a single idea or particular kind of information (has a specific use)

How do I know what information a map may provide me?

• READ the TITLE!– Often the purpose of a map is in the title!

• Look at the key and determine what the symbols mean

• Think about your categories of maps and ask yourself:– Is the main focus identifying countries and cities?– Is it to show landforms and other physical features?– Or, does it show very specific information?

Group Activity• Each group has at their table– 5 laminated maps

• Physical Map of Southwest & Central Asia• Climate Map of Southwest & Central Asia• Economic Activity of Southwest & Central Asia• Vegetation Zones of Southwest & Central Asia• Economic Activity Zones of Southwest & Central Asia

– The Nystrom World Atlas– The Complete School Atlas (might be missing

the cover)– Glencoe Our World Today: People, Places &

Issues (Textbook)– Holt Our World Today: People, Places &

Changes (Textbook)

Common Maps I NEED TO KNOW!

• You will each receive a Common Maps I NEED TO KNOW! Write your name on the line.

• Work together to explain what each type of map shows. These are the most common maps we will use in class (but not the only ones!). – Hint: If you don’t know a word—like

VEGETATION—look it up in the glossary!

• Use all the resources available to you to look at different versions of the types of maps listed on your handout to come up with a explanation of what that type of maps shows.

Stu’s Quiz Box Game!• You will be in six groups. • Each group will have one white board, one dry-erase

marker, and one eraser. • Come up with a team name (no more than 8 letters)• This is a jeopardy style game. The game will keep track of

your score. Be careful! Right answers will reward you points, but, wrong answers will cost you points

• I will chose a group to start. That group will choose a category and point value.

• After the question appears, you may quietly discuss the answer with your team. Write your answer on the board. EVERY GROUP HAS A CHANCE TO ANSWER EACH QUESTION AND EARN POINTS!

• When the timer runs out, you must all raise your board with the answer in the air. DO NOT ERASE YOUR BOARD OR PUT YOUR BOARD DOWN until the points are recorded.

• Let’s play!