There are dozens of distinct maps in use, each displaying different data. Most maps, however, are classified as either reference maps or thematic maps. Resource maps and income maps are two further examples. Physical features, geographic locations and boundaries, and other places such as towns and cities are all depicted on reference maps. Reference maps include physical maps, political maps, road maps, topographic maps, and geologic maps. Read the article to know further about how to distinguish between a physical map and a political map, who would use a physical map, and many map-related facts.
1. What is called Political Map?
A political map is a form of map that depicts the world’s political divisions, as well as human-created boundaries such as continents and significant physical regions. Political features include things like country borders, roadways, population centres, and landform boundaries. Political maps depict cities, towns, villages, and various countries and states around the world, along with their borders. (See How can you differentiate between map and globe?)
2. What is meant by Physical Map?
The physical map of the earth depicts all of the continents and geographical features found on the planet. Water bodies such as oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and river basins are depicted, as are terrain characteristics such as plateaus, mountains, and deserts. The mountains are shaded by height, with the largest mountain range in grey, and the oceans are coloured by depth, with the deepest ocean in blue, making this physical map visually appealing. To know more about it, check out what a physical map shows?
3. Distinguish between a Physical Map and a Political Map
Take a look at the following points to know how to distinguish between a physical map and a political map:
| BASIS FOR COMPARISON | PHYSICAL MAP | POLITICAL MAP |
| Meaning | A physical map can be understood as a map used to indicate the forms of landscape and water bodies of an area. | Political maps refer to maps that represent geographical boundaries, roads, and other similar features of the area. |
| Use | It is used to show geographical features. | It is used to show territorial borders. |
| Features | Raised or dipped | Flat |
| Colours used | A physical map typically uses drab colours to depict characteristics. | A political map uses bright colours to distinguish between different cities, states, and countries. |
| Elevation | A physical map is one that represents the physical or natural qualities of a landform or waterbody, as well as its terrain and elevation. | A political map, on the other hand, is a map that depicts the geographical boundaries of villages, towns, states, and countries. |
| Territory | The physical map depicts the geographical qualities of a place. | The political map depicts the territorial aspects. |
| Pointings | Mountains and valleys are elevated or dipped on a physical map to represent them. | In contrast, the political map is flat. |
4. What is the Purpose of a Political Map?
As you are aware of the features of political maps and how to distinguish between a physical map and a political map, you must know that political maps are used to depict the political boundaries of countries and states. The purpose of a political map is to identify the location of important cities and, in most cases, incorporate large bodies of water. Check out What does an Economic Activity Map of a Country Show?
5. What are the Main Features of a Political Map?
Political features depicted on political maps include:
- Borders
- Roads
- Public transportation is available
- Towns and cities
- Water bodies
- Countries
- Small areas
6. What Information does Physical Map offer?
Since you know how to distinguish between a physical map and a political map, it will be an easy task for you to state the features of physical maps. Below listed is the information that the physical map offers:
- A physical map can be used to depict any place. It shows the location’s geography.
- Physical maps can depict the natural landscape aspects of the Earth.
- It also depicts mountains, plateaus and plains, islands, deserts, seas and oceans, rivers, and lakes. The colour gradient generally ends in hues of grey at the highest elevations. Rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans are typically depicted in blue, frequently with a light blue colour for the majority of the shallow sections and darkening in a gradient or by intervals for parts of deeper water.
- Physical maps are the most well-known for depicting topography, either in colour or as shaded relief.
- A physical map shows the elevation of the terrain using a colour scheme ranging from green to brown to grey. Near-sea-level heights are represented by darker greens, which gradually fade into tans and browns as elevation increases.
- The glaciers and ice caps are depicted in white. A physical map will usually indicate the state and country boundaries as well. Major cities and highways are also shown, but these are not the primary focus of a physical map. This is frequently provided for geographic reference and to boost the map’s value for many users.
7. Who would use a Physical Map?
Physical maps are used by anyone who wants to learn about the region’s geography or geology. This may involve researchers looking for information for a study or geologists searching for certain minerals. (See What is North South East West called on a Map?)
8. What is the Difference between Physical Map and Relief Map?
If you ask about the difference between physical map and relief map, you will not get major ones, as both carry almost the same features. A physical map, often known as a relief map, depicts the natural qualities of a kind of land and bodies of water found in a certain area. In more technical terms, it is a graphic representation of how our planet appears from space. (See What are some map distortion examples?)
9. What is the Difference between Physical and Cultural Features?
After learning how to distinguish between a physical map and a political map, let’s discuss the difference between the physical and cultural features of a country. Language, government, food, and attire are examples of cultural features that distinguish individuals living in one location from those living in another. Physical characteristics change far more slowly than cultural characteristics and are significantly less impacted by the observer’s perspective. (See What are examples of cultural identity?)
10. What is the Difference between Physical Map and Cultural Map?
A cultural map depicts cultural trends using seven value clusters, each of which is represented by a different hue. The patterns reveal cultural features. Memetics, the science of cultural evolution, underpins the culture Map approach.
Mountains, woods, rivers, lakes, and other landforms are depicted on physical maps. If you are going on a hike, you should consult a physical map. Landforms can be depicted on physical maps. (See What are some cultural aspects?)
11. What is the Difference between Physical and Human Geography?
Besides wondering how to distinguish between a physical map and a political map, note that physical geography is more known to us because it involves the earth’s land areas, bodies of water, plant life, and so on. Physical geographers assist in the management of various resources such as water, forests, and land.
Human geography is more concerned with people’s religions, cultures, and lifestyles. Human geographers help with city planning and the development of multinational business models. (See Nature and scope of physical geography)
