Map Types- AP Human Geography

Purpose of Reference Maps

- They are designed to give people general information

- Tell us where things are

Examples of Reference Maps

Political Maps, Physical Maps, and Road Maps

Purpose of Thematic Maps

- Show spatial aspects of information and data.

- Tell us characteristics about a place.

Examples of Thematic Maps

Choropleth Maps, Dot Density Maps, Graduated Symbol Maps, Cartogram Maps, and Isoline Maps

Choropleth Map

- Thematic

- Uses color to show different values of data.

Dot Density Map

- Thematic

- Uses dots of the same size to show density and distribution of data

Graduated Symbol Map

- Thematic

- Uses shapes of different sizes (typically a circle) to show values of data. AKA Proportional Symbol Map

Cartogram Map

- Thematic

- The size of a place (state, country, province) that is shown according to a specific data point.

Isometric/Isoline Map

- Thematic

- Uses lines that connect points or areas of equal value to show variations of data across a place.

- Close lines = rapid change

- Lines farther apart = less change

*Topographic Maps are a type of this

Definition of a Map Projection

When a curved surface is shown on a flat surface. Because the earth is a sphere and maps are flat, all maps distort some aspect of reality.

SADD

SADD describes all maps

Shape can be distorted.

Area or size can be distorted.

Distance can be distorted.

Direction can be. distorted.

The most accurate part of a projection is the center.

Mercator Map Purpose

Navigation

Mercator Map Strengths

Directions are constant and accurate

Mercator Map Distortion

Area of places near poles appears much larger than reality

Robinson Map Purpose

General use, like in classrooms

Robinson Map Strengths

No major distortion

Robinson Map Distortion

Area, shape, size, and direction are all slightly distorted

Peters Map Purpose

Spatial distributions related to area

Peters Map Strength

Size of places are shown accurately

Peters Map Distortion

Shapes are inaccurate, especially near the poles

Equal-Area Map Purpose

General use and data distribution

Equal-Area Map Strengths

Size very close to reality

Equal-Area Map Distortion

Shape and Distance are distorted

AKA Orange-Peel Projection

Azimuthal Map Purpose

To show the poles accurately

Azimuthal Map Strengths

Distance from poles shown accurately

Azimuthal Map Distortion

Direction and size are distorted, especially near edges

AKA Polar Projection