Types of Maps

Whāinga ako: Lesson Goals

To understand the basics of topographic and thematic maps and create a thematic map of New Zealand.

Mahi - work

Keys and Legends

Maps always have a key or a legend. Here are some of the typical legends that are included on a topographic map.

Why do you think it is necessary to have a key or a legend on a map?

Topographic Map

When looking at the pyramid of Egypt from above it was quite difficult to tell what it looked like from ground level. It was hard to identify. Topographic maps help us identify features on a map by giving us a height above or below sea level.

For example, if we saw this on a topographic map we can assume that it is a slope that climbs up, when looking at it from side on we can see that it does.

Topographic maps show us if a hill is steep or has a gentle slope by how close or far apart the lines are.

Have a look at this map for an example

Thematic Map

A type of map that shows specific information, like how many people live in an area, how much money they earn, or how many go to school. They can look quite different but are a way to show data on a map.

For example the map below shows the average yearly rainfall in New Zealand. It is important when looking at these to analyse them in a similar way to when you read a graph. (i.e. read the key!)

What colour shows a LOT of rainfall?
What area(s) have the most rainfall in NZ?
What area has the least amount of rain over the year?
How do you know?
How would you describe Christchurch in terms of rainfall?
FACKTS. What is this map missing?
Extra: What does the 0-100 KM down the bottom mean?
Extra: What other questions should you ask about this map?

Click for answers

Answers:

Pink
The West Coast and some parts of the North Island- mainly just above Wellington.
Central Otago (Probably around Alexandra)
Christchurch is fairly dry sitting between 400-800mm of rain
Orange and yellow are shown over Chch and we match that to the key.
Frame, Arrow, Title are all missing. (It has colour and a key)
This is the scale of the map. By using a ruler to measure distances on the map, you can work out the real distances in New Zealand.
When was this data collected? What year? Was it just one part of the year or a whole year?

Thematic map by region

Here's an example of NZ maps by regions.

What does this map show?

Best Loo in NZ

Each year, cities and regions across New Zealand compete to be named the most beautiful, and there’s even a competition for the best public toilets! Your task is to take the data from the table and organise it on a thematic map. Make sure to colour the entire region where each place is located.

Remember to use the acronym FACKTS to guide your work:

Frame, Arrow (compass), Colour, Key, Title, Scale.