2 MAPPING MAPS What is a map? Simply defined, maps are pictures of the Earth's surface; each map shows different information. Most maps include a , which indicates which way is north, south, east and west. They also include a (usually shown with a bar) so you can estimate distances. compass rose 1 scale Types of maps illustrate the of an area, such as the mountains, rivers and lakes. Colours are used to show different landscapes. Water is usually shown in blue, green is typically used for , and orange or brown indicate hills and mountains. Physical maps physical features plains indicate and national , the and major cities. A capital city is usually marked with a star within a circle. Political maps states boundaries capital show major motorways and roads, airports, railroad tracks, cities and other points of interest in an area. Road maps 1 include to show the and of an area. Lines that are close together indicate and lines that are far apart indicate terrain. Topographic maps contour lines shape elevation steep terrain flat emphasize a particular theme or special , for example, political, cultural or agricultural features of an area. Thematic maps topics show the specific type of or natural resources present in an area through the use of different or . Economic or resource maps economic activity symbols colours show information about the of an area based on the temperature, the amount of snow and rain that an area receives or average number of cloudy or sunny days in a month or year. Climate maps climate show what the in an area is and what the weather in that area will be in the coming hours or days. Weather maps current weather show the accurate measures of the boundaries and of each . Cadastral maps ownership property WARM UP Have you ever surfed Google Maps to see the area where you live or find road information? DO What do you use a road map for? 1 MORE Compass rose is the English equivalent of ‘rosa dei venti’. 1 Who creates maps? Mapmakers, called , create maps for many different purposes. Today, cartography is a mixture of art, science and technology. Cartographers use geodetic surveys and to measure, analyse and create maps and charts for political, cultural and educational purposes. cartographers remote sensing systems Physical map Road map