A historical map will show you the locations of ancient empires or trade routes. By mapping this kind of detailed information, special-purpose maps can help you understand a region’s history or geography.

Special Purpose Maps: maps that emphasize a single idea or a particular kind of information about an area. Examples of special purpose maps can even include maps of Highbanks Metro Park, the Olentangy bike trail, the path of killer bees, even the map from National Treasure.

Population Density Map! GIS Technicians use special purpose maps because they work with multi-layered Geo-spatial data sets on the city GIS. The population density map shows how many people are living in a certain area. It shows this by the most highly concentrated area.

According to the ICSM (Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping), there are five different types of maps: General Reference, Topographical, Thematic, Navigation Charts and Cadastral Maps and Plans.

They can provide information on population, climate, landforms, fire escape routes, and so much more. Sometimes, special-purpose maps combine topics, such as an economic map that includes state or country boundaries. How To – What Are Special-Purpose Maps? This political map shows the boundaries of countries in Africa.

Special Purpose Map Definition: Special purpose maps are designed or created for the special purpose. For example a DEM (digital information model) which shows only the elevation value is a special purpose map where as a political map might show river, height info, roads, city name and so on is a standard map.

What’s the difference between political and physical on a map? Political Maps: A political map focuses on boundaries between entities, like countries, states or counties. A physical map focuses on the geography of the area and will often have shaded relief to show the mountains and valleys.

Maps are usually classified according to their use. The emphasis in general purpose maps is on location. Wall maps, most maps found in atlases, and road maps are all in this category. Thematic maps, also referred to as special-purpose maps, illustrate the geographical distribution of a particular theme or phenomenon.

Maps present information about the world in a simple, visual way. They teach about the world by showing sizes and shapes of countries, locations of features, and distances between places. Maps can show distributions of things over Earth, such as settlement patterns.

Physical maps are designed to show the natural landscape features of Earth. They are best known for showing topography, either by colors or as shaded relief. Physical maps usually show the most important political boundaries, such as state and country boundaries. Major cities and major roads are often shown.

Physical Maps – illustrate the physical features of an area, such as the mountains, rivers and lakes. Topographic Maps – include contour lines to show the shape and elevation of an area.