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Benefits and Other Types of Maps - Imagine you are going on a road trip. Perhaps you are going on vacation. How do you know where to go? Most likely, you will use a map. Maps are pictures of specific parts of the Earth’s surface. There are many types of maps. Each map gives us different information. Let’s look at a road map, which is the probably the most common map that you use.
Look for the legend on the top left side of the map. It explains how this map records different features. You can see the following:

  • The boundaries of the state show its shape.
  • Black dots represent the cities. Each city is named. The size of the dot represents the population of the city.
  • Red and brown lines show major roads that connect the cities.
  • Blue lines show rivers. Their names are written in blue.
  • Blue areas show lakes and other waterways - the Gulf of Mexico, Biscayne Bay, and Lake Okeechobee. Names for bodies of water are also written in blue.
  • A line or scale of miles shows the distance represented on the map – an inch or centimeter on the map represents a certain amount of distance (miles or kilometers).
  • The legend explains other features and symbols on the map.
  • Although this map does not have a compass rose, north is at the top of the map.

You can use this map to find your way around Florida and get from one place to another along roadways. There are many other types of maps besides road maps. Some examples include:

  • Topographic maps show detailed elevations of landscapes on the map.
  • Relief maps show elevations of areas, but usually on a larger scale. Relief maps might show landforms on a global scale rather than a local area.
  • Satellite view maps show terrains and vegetation – forests, deserts, and mountains.
  • Climate maps show average temperatures and rainfall.
  • Precipitation maps show the amount of rainfall in different areas.
  • Weather maps show storms, air masses, and fronts.
  • Radar maps also show storms and rainfall.
  • Geologic maps detail the types and locations of rocks found in an area.
  • Political or geographic maps show the outlines and borders of states and/or countries.

These are but a few types of maps that various earth scientists might use. You can easily carry a map around in your pocket or bag.
Maps


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