Using Information Resources, continued

You can find different types of maps inside atlases. You can use the different maps for different purposes. Let’s see what some of them look like.

Physical Maps

A physical map shows the geographical features of a place, such as bodies of water and landforms.

illustration of a physical map of the United States

Mapmakers often use techniques that make mountains look like they are rising off the page.

Landforms, like mountains or lakes, are often labeled.

The scale shows that this distance on the map is equal to 300 miles on land.

Product Maps

A product map uses pictures and symbols to show where products come from or where natural resources are found.

Legend Water Power Uranium Natural Gas Oil Coal

    Legend

  • illustration of a map key symbol for water power Water Power

  • illustration of a map key symbol for uranium Uranium

  • illustration of a map key symbol for natural gas Natural Gas

  • illustration of a map key symbol for oil Oil

  • illustration of a map key symbol for coal Coal

The compass rose shows the directions north, south, east, and west.

The map legend shows what the pictures stand for.