Don't Be Confused Again, These Are The Types Of Maps You Need To Know

Illustration of the types of maps (photo: Pixabay)

YOGYAKARTA - Map is an overview of the location of the region on earth described on a flat plane. Maps are useful for understanding the properties of the earth's surface, the condition of the population in an area, and the boundaries of the region. In geographical science, there are several types of maps. We can distinguish the types of maps based on their contents, scale, and shape.

So what types of maps are available? Before understanding the types of maps, we should understand the meaning of the map first. For more details, see the explanation below.

Quoted from a book entitled Geographic written by Wirastuti Widyatmanti (2008), the map is a form of the earth's face which is described through a flat plane, and minimized using a map projection system. Maps are drawn based on special techniques and rules.

This technique and rules are referred to as cartography. Kartography is a science, technique, and art in the depiction of maps by involving geodesics, photogravities, compilation, and reproducibility of maps. An expert who is proficient in making maps is called a cartographer.

In general, maps have a function as a means of communication. Maps are created with the aim of conveying information about conditions in an area in a simple manner. Maps also have other functions, including:

The types of maps are divided into 3, namely based on their contents, shape, and scale. Reporting from a book entitled Social Science 3 written by Mamat Ruhimat (2018), below are the types of maps:

Types Of Maps Based On Their Contents

Types of maps based on their contents are divided into two categories, namely general maps and special maps.

The general map is a map used to describe all the visibleness that exists on the earth's surface, whether it's a natural or cultural phenomenon. The natural phenomenon in the general map can be in the form of lakes, rivers, mountains, mountains, seas, and swamps as well.

The cultural phenomena are regional boundaries, plantations, settlements, rice fields, airports, ports, railway roads, and highways. The general map is divided into 3 types, including:

The world map is a type of general map that describes the coverage of a wide area covering the shape and is located on a small scale.

Cirography maps are a type of general map that accounts for the whole or a fraction of the Earth's surface on a moderate scale. We can see this type of map in an atlas example.

Topographic maps are a type of general map that describes the earth's surface along with its reliefs. The relief depiction in the map is made in the form of a contour line.

A special map is a type of map that only describes one or several aspects of the phenomenon that exists on the earth's surface. Symbols on special maps are used by adjusting the theme to the map title. For example:

Such is the review of the types of maps along with examples. Hopefully this information will be useful! Visit VOI.id to get other interesting information.