Uses
Maps and atlases are used by common men as well as specialists both for work and pleasure. Varied uses of maps and atlases depend on their types. We shall first describe various types of maps, and then explain their uses.
- A physical map is usually referred to for visual location and identification of the world, region, country, city or town mountain, river, lake, sea, ocean, gulf, bay, desert or any other geographical formation.
- Topographic maps trace details of geological, soil, forest and other basic information and for historical, economic, political or other types of development. They are used to show land use, land ownership, various methods of communications, transportation, etc.
- A route map shows roads, rail roads, bridges, etc.
- A political map normally limits itself to political boundaries of different countries, states, cities, towns, etc.
- The historical maps chart the flow of a given battle or event and its progress. It shows adjustments of boundaries after wars and due to negotiated settlement directly between two countries (China and UK) or under the auspices of international organisations (UN trust territories).
- The economic and commercial atlases record general information on business facts, agricultural facts, communication, transportation, retail trade, exports and imports, etc.
Topographic and the thematic maps are used by professional people. Central and local government staff require them for a variety of administrative purposes, viz., town and country planning. Commercial and industrial firms require them for transport, prospecting and setting up of depots, factories, and offices. Students and research workers refer to maps to get information related to geography, history, geology, demography, land use, archaeology and topography. They also devise their own maps for their theses and reports.
The class lecture can be supplemented by the use of maps and globes. Particularly in schools, visual demonstration of maps, atlases and globes to teach geography and history will be very efficient. In libraries, they assist in answering various geographical queries, advising patrons in making their travel plans and young users in enriching their general knowledge. Therefore, maps and atlases which contain a wide variety of information are useful to all kinds of people in the society.