The types of maps They consist of the different cartographic options that can be used depending on the interest of the researcher. For this reason, maps not only allow delimiting the geography of a region, but 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 turns the maps into different projections of reality..
In its beginnings, the maps had as purpose to know the world and were constituted mainly by philosophical theories. Nowadays, maps are considered 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..
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.
These maps are intended to represent the administrative organization of a region, especially in matters related to divisions, countries, borders and capitals..
This type of map describes the weather patterns that prevail in a certain region. In general, they are conventional maps that are covered in colors, which represent different climatic zones and degrees of temperature..
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 recording the shape of surfaces.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..
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 maps are symbolic representations of a particular item or location. The most common example is in the maps that are placed in subway stations, which are intended to help pedestrians locate themselves more effectively. The schematic map is characterized by its simplicity and by using colors and legends that facilitate its quick understanding.
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.
This type of map represents the geological features that occur on the Earth's surface. 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).
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 data about their location..
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 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, whose contributions 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.
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 in what way it was oriented in the regions.
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.
This type of map focuses on illustrating the different heights of a region; This is achieved by using different shades of a color.
This map represents non-existent phenomena, places and objects, which are intended to entertain and encourage creativity. For example, a fantastic map could be those made by the writer J. R. R. Tolkien to show his readers the geography of the fictional continent known as Middle Earth..
The objective of hydrographic maps is to illustrate the course of rivers and different surfaces with water, such as lakes..
This map tries to represent facts and theories related to geopolitics; This illustration is achieved through appropriate and easy to understand symbologies.
Urban maps are responsible for delimiting the territories of large cities, such as a map of the city of New York or Paris. In these maps the streets and avenues are identified, along with the most emblematic places.
A rural map tries to represent rural areas. Generally, these regions are on the outskirts of large cities and are not very crowded. In these maps, rivers, lakes, mountains and any other natural feature of the terrain can be identified..
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 iconic statue.
General maps represent a series of basic and diverse phenomena such as hydrography, coasts, relief, number of inhabitants, administrative boundaries and communication routes. These maps are considered by some to be synonymous with topographic maps..
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 trips of whales. This classification also applies to maps illustrating human movements..
The objective of these maps is to indicate the distribution and quantity of the rains that occur in a certain territory and on a specific date..
Also known as the world maps, are cartographic representations that try to point out all the regions of the globe, specifying not only the countries and continents, but also the seas and oceans.
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