The document describes different types of maps, including climate maps, economic maps, political maps, physical maps, topographic maps, road maps, thematic maps, blank maps, and location maps. It explains the purpose and features of each map type, such as using colors to show climate zones on climate maps or contour lines to show elevations on topographic maps. Examples of each map type are meant to be cut out and pasted in. The purpose is to help students identify and understand different map categories.

1. SOCIAL STUDIES WORKSHOP
2 TERM
NAME: _____________________________________________________GRADE:________ DATE: ______________
TOPIC: _____________________________________________ TEACHER: ___________________________________
TYPES OF MAPS
Identify the types of maps. Cut and paste pictures of examples. Use maps of Colombia to compare.
TYPE OF MAP PICTURE
Climate maps
Give general information
about the climate and
precipitation (rain and
snow) of a region.
Cartographers, or
mapmakers, use colors to
show different climate or
precipitation zones
Economic maps
Feature the type of natural
resources or economic
activity that dominates an
area. Cartographers use
symbols to show the
locations of natural
resources or economic
activities. For example,
coffee on a map of
Colombia tells you that
coffee is growing there.

2. Political maps
Do not show physical
features. Instead, they
indicate the administrative
division like states,
departments and national
boundaries and capital and
major cities. A capital city is
usually marked with a star
within a circle.
Physical maps
Illustrate the physical
features of an area, such as
the mountains, rivers and
lakes. The water is usually
shown in blue. Colors are
used to show relief—
differences in land
elevations. Green is
typically used at lower
elevations, and orange or
brown indicate higher
elevations.
Topographic maps
Include contour lines to
show the shapes and
elevations of an specific
area. Lines that are close
together indicate steep
terrain, and lines that are
far apart indicate flat
terrain. If you do not find a
map of Colombia you can
choose another one.

3. Road maps
Show major—some minor
highways—and roads,
airports, railroad tracks,
cities and other points of
interest in an area. People
use road maps to plan trips
and for driving directions.
Thematic maps
These are specially
designed maps that focus
on a particular theme
connected with a specific
geographical region. Be it
social, cultural or economic
aspects of a city, state or
country, these maps
illustrate one theme at a
time. Take in count the
legend or conventions, it
will help you to understand
the information.
Blank maps
These maps contain only
the boundary, and have no
other places or features
marked. They are great as
learning tools, and are
used extensively among
students. It is also possible
for a blank map to have the
boundaries marked, so that
it can be used for more
specific tasks.

4. Sources: http://www.factmonster.com/world/geography/types-maps.html http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-maps/types-of-map.html
Location maps
The location map is used to
mark the location of a
particular place with
respect to the continent,
country or the world.