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Portal:Maps/Maps

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The Maps Portal

A map is a visual representation of an area—a symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects[disambiguation needed], regions, and themes. Many maps are static two-dimensional, geometrically accurate representations of three-dimensional space, while others are dynamic or interactive, even three-dimensional. Although most commonly used to depict geography, maps may represent any space, real or imagined, without regard to context or scale.

A world map is a map of the surface of the Earth, which may be made using any of a number of different map projections. Maps of the world are often either 'political' or 'physical'. The most important purpose of the political map is to show territorial borders; the purpose of the physical is to show features of geography such as mountains, soil type or land use. Geological maps show not only the physical surface, but characteristics of the underlying rock, fault lines, and subsurface structures. Topographical maps show constant values such as elevation, temperature or rainfall often represented in the form of contour lines. A nautical chart is a graphic representation of a maritime area and adjacent coastal regions. A thematic map displays the spatial pattern of a theme or series of attributes, such as population density, health issues, language or climate. Star cartography is the branch of astronomy concerned with mapping the stars, galaxies, and a multitude of other celestial bodies.

World map

Tropical cyclone affected areas
Tropical cyclone affected areas
Credit: NSLE-Chacor
A map of tropical cyclone affected areas.

Geographic map

Topographic map of the Isle of Man
Topographic map of the Isle of Man
Credit: Eric Gaba
Topographic map of the Isle of Man.

Political map

The Aztec Empire before the Spanish conquest
The Aztec Empire before the Spanish conquest
Credit: Madman2001
The Aztec Empire as it stood shortly before the Spanish conquest of Mexico.

Thematic map

Viking settlements, trade and raid routes
Viking settlements, trade and raid routes
Credit: Bogdangiusca
Area of Viking settlements, trade and raid routes during the 9th to 10th centuries.

Nautical map

McMurdo Sound, Antarctica
McMurdo Sound, Antarctica
Credit: USGS

Historical map

Early map of North America
Early map of North America
Credit: Claude Bernou, David.Monniaux
Map of North America during the 17th century.

Associated Wikimedia

The following Wikimedia Foundation sister projects provide more on this subject: