Types of Maps

Types of Maps

Climate Maps

Did you know there are many different types of maps? Different types of maps are meant for different purposes. Not all maps are used to find places. For example, climate maps show us the weather patterns that have been observed in a given area over a long period of time. By looking at a climate map, you can see the areas that receive more rainfall and areas that have dry weather.

Multiple Choice

True or False: All maps are used to help people find locations and get directions.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

What type of map shows us weather patterns that have been observed in a given area over a long period of time?

• Physical Map

• Political Map

• Climate Map

Political Maps

World maps are generally political or physical. Political maps show territorial features such as countries, states, cities, towns, and the significant bodies of water. Political maps come in different sizes. It can cover large areas such as entire continents, or small areas such as states or cities.

Multiple Choice

What type of map shows us territorial features such as countries, states, cities, towns, and the significant bodies of water?

• Physical Map

• Political Map

• Road Map

Multiple Choice

True or False: Political Maps can show different sizes of lands, from large continents to small cities.

• True

• False

Physical Maps

Physical maps have been designed to show landforms like deserts, mountains, plains, rivers, and lakes. The typical colors of physical maps are blue, green and brown.

Multiple Choice

What type of map is designed to show landforms?

• Physical

• Political

• Climate

Multiple Select

What type of things are found on a physical map? Check ALL that apply.

• Mountains

• Weather Patterns

• Rivers

• Country Borders

• Deserts

Road Maps

The most widely used map is the road map. For example, the GPS that people use everyday while driving their cars is a road map. It shows them where they are and how to get to their destination. By looking at a small road map, you can locate airports, city locations, parks, and monuments. Larger road maps give grater details and can give the overview of major routes.

Multiple Choice

True or False: A road map is most widely used type of map.

• True

• False

Multiple Select

What can be located on a road map? Check ALL that apply.

• Airports

• Rivers

• Parks

• Weather Patterns

• City Locations

Resource Maps

Resource maps show us where certain natural resources are found. For example, by looking at resource maps you can see which state is rich in oil or where you can find coal. Symbols and letters are used to represent the resources present in the area. For example, a tree on a map represents a forest in the area. 

Multiple Choice

What type of map would you use if you want to see which state is rich in oil?

• Political Map

• Resource Map

• Physical Map

Multiple Choice

What does a tree on a resource map represent?

• A Park

• A Campground

• A Forrest