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Interesting Types of Maps

Maps are the simple flat representation of the world on the map, giving the gist of knowledge related to the world in the visual version. There are several interesting types of maps, and follow this to know more.

There are different types of maps that can be used for various reasons. It can be mainly referred to as the two, which are familiarly known as the thematic map, and the other one is the reference map. Reference maps are those maps that indicate a particular place, its structure, boundaries as well as features of the place. These maps show the roads, buildings, states, and water bodies along with the mountains, political boundaries, and time zones. These are the main items that will always be shown without any major changes in the map over the period and used for getting the basic information.

Thematic Maps

Thematic Maps are maps used for getting the basic information with the help of a reference map later, and the data is added apart from it. These maps will also display the weather-based information, results related to the election, the population of a particular area, and the natural resources. 

Physical Maps

The main intention behind this type of map is to show the landforms in their natural form along with the physical features of the different areas like deserts, mountains, oceans, lakes, and rivers. Unlike a topographic map, the physical map does not highlight the contour form of lines or give definite elevations. Instead, this type of map shows the changes in the elevation with the help of the colour, which is in the form of a gradient ranging from brown to green on the scales of the colour grey. The darker colour is used at the starting of the seal level, and it is lighter as there is an increase in the elevation. At the same time, it also shows the change in the elevation with the help of map shading. 

A physical map is also used to show the important boundaries related to the political region of different places. It shows the important cities and roads, but it has to be noted that it only helps to understand the observers related to the terrain. 

Political Maps

This type of map refers to the thematic map. This mainly depends on the information that is provided by the political map. Based on this information gathered with the help of the physical map, they give information related to political matters of different regions. It is like a reference that describes the boundaries of other countries, states, and counties. It also shows the capital cities, cities, railroad tracks, roads, and important waterways. If the map shows the party’s affiliations or the election results, this type of map can be considered a thematic map. The most important aspect that has to be recognised, for instance, is the blue and red election related to the state map that mainly shows the republicans if it is red in colour and the colour blue to indicate democrats.

Weather Maps

This type of map is presumably the most recognised form of a map. They are used daily to know a different place’s weather conditions. It is like a thematic map, giving information about a specific place or time. They are subjected to change frequently as the weather is the matter that changes most often. The weather map mainly starts with highlighting the reference map related to the particular area. It will be followed by other information like temperature, precipitation, snow, and frost, as well as the amount of rain and sun, including meteorological-based information. 

The weather map is considered to be the map that is upgraded most often and mainly hourly. They can be seen in the newspaper, online, and on television. It helps to plan travel and recreation depending on the weather conditions, and there is also a common app related to weather updates.

Road Map 

This is one of the maps which are used widely. This gives information about the different types of roads and the number of highways along with the railways and provides detailed information about the direction to another place. They are mainly made keeping in mind the individual that would be primarily on the city-wise use.

Information on the Historical Maps around the World

The researchers and academics mainly use the Historical maps to show the movement of the people, boundaries related to the ancient times, and interactions associated with the modern landscape and the contemporary one. Historical maps also mention different dates related to the buildings. Historical maps give a better insight into the various dynasties related to other places.

Note on Narukawa’s AuthaGraph World Map

This type of map gives information on the approximate area that Hajime Narukawa invented in 1999. It faithfully represents all the continents and oceans, including Antarctica. It will fit within the rectangular frame, which is rectangular without interruptions and can be tessellated without visible seams. Thus Narukawa’s AuthaGraph World Map gives a better understanding of different areas.

Conclusion:

The map can be very beneficial to know in detail about the location of the different places and also gives the information on its sizes as well as about features of the various countries. They are different types of maps that are used for other purposes.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

Who created Narukawa's AuthaGraph World Map?

Answer. Narukawa’s AuthaGraph World Map was created in 1999 by Hajime Na...Read full

Which is the world map of the AuthaGraph?

Answer. It gives an appropriate image of the area on the world projection map.

Who is considered the father of maps?

Answer. Gerardus Mercator is considered to be the father of mapping.

Why were historical maps used?

Answer. It is used to get the details about different landscapes as well as various cities. It is also used to get t...Read full