Page 9 - Geography_n_Environment

Exercise 1

1. Why do we need maps?
2. Explain the difference between a picture and a map.

FOR ONLINE READING ONLY

Types of maps
Different criteria are used to identify the types of maps. One of the

criteria is the purpose of the map. By using this criterion, there are
two types of maps namely; general maps and thematic maps.

General maps

These are maps that provide general information about a certain
area. These maps do not present just one piece of information
v d a t a F e t

include information about roads, rivers, administrative boundaries,
settlements, mountains, and vegetation. These maps help the user
to understand the basic information about a place, the relationship
f p o t m a t

directions on the earth’s surface. Therefore, general maps include:
topographical maps, political maps, and road and railway maps.

Topographical maps
These maps represent the layout of natural and man-made features on
the earth’s surface. Also, topographical map use contour line to show

the terrain of an area. Examples of natural features include:
ocean, lakes, rivers, plains, valleys, mountains, and vegetation.
Examples of man-made features include buildings, and roads, as
shown in Figure 1. These maps are important in planning for

construction, tourism, farming, industries, fishing, and business
activities.

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GEOGRAPHY AND THE ENVIRONMENT-STD 4.indd 2 21/11/2024 16:57