| Each of us has at least once faced with classical topographic maps - whether at geography lessons at school, or while travelling. Such maps are famous for giving a very precise presentation of the landscape. They display all the objects with scale and using different colors. Although topographic maps constitute mostly a composition of symbols that aren't so easy for a customary user to understand. Sometimes you need an expert to explain some features on the map. In any case, it'll take some time and efforts to learn the topographic maps language. Luckily, there are lots of other ways to depict an area. They are large in number, but may be divided into 3 main groups:
- Illustrated maps
- Panoramic maps
- Pictorial maps
You may guess what these types of maps represent by their names, but we'll give some explanation to avert possible confusion.
This way, an illustrated map is a topographic map with a number of additional illustrations. It means that certain objects on the map (for example, buildings, parks or some other features) will be indicated by little pictures. This kind of maps is very close to the classical version.
A panoramic map can be regarded as a portrait of the landscape. From time to time it's also called a perspective as it pictures a certain region as it is viewed from a certain point in space. Such maps are very accurate about dimensions, but on the other hand, various individual objects are hardly recognizable or even not recognizable at all. This kind of maps is popular in certain fields of activity such as ski resorts depiction.
As for pictorial map this kind is concentrated on the details, but not at keeping accurate sizes. Individual objects are portrayed with their distinguishing features and, accordingly, are easily distinguishable. On the other hand, distances don't always correspond to the reality, form time to time the landscape can be slightly distorted or reduced as the stress is placed on the representation of objects. The given type of maps enjoys high popularity thanks to their nice looks, self-descriptiveness and easiness in use. Despite scale distortions they are excellent for navigating while planning a travel or looking for a certain place. |