2. Types of Maps
There are many different types of maps. These
include, but are not limited to:
• Political Maps—Show country borders and
sometimes major cities
• Topographical or Relief Maps—Show physical
features and elevation
• Thematic Maps—Focus on a specific topic or
theme (ex. precipitation, climate, natural
resources, land use, and population)
Check out these examples!
6. Not to confuse you but…
• Sometimes maps can be of more than one type.
For example, your atlas includes a lot of
“Political Relief Maps”. These are a
combination of political and topographical
maps.
7. Your Task
• Title a piece of white lined paper--MAP
SKILLS. This will be a page in your SS clear
book.
• Make a subheading called--Types of Maps
• Use a classroom desk atlas to answer the
following questions about map types. Feel
free to ask your table mates for help if you
need it.
• We’ll review the answers together in 5-10
minutes.
8. Questions
1. What type of map (political, topographical/relief, or
thematic) do you find on page 32? What information
can you gather from this map?
2. What type of map do you find on page 62 and 63?
What information can you gather from this map?
3. What kind of map do you find on page 156? What
information can you gather from this map?
4. What kind of map do you find on page 164? What
information can you gather from this map?
