Political Maps Vs Physical Maps
Political maps are created to display the boundary lines of nations (country) and states, plus the major
cities, and significant bodies of water. They use different colors to show the separation of nations or
states. A map key (legend) helps to explain the symbols used on a political map.
Examples:
City
State Capital
National Capital
___ _ _ ___ _ _ ____ Boundary Lines
_________________ International Boundary Lines
Physical maps display some of the same features of a political map but the main purpose is to display
physical features like mountains, plains, deserts, rivers, and lakes. There are different types of physical
Elevation maps use color to show the elevation of physical features. Elevation is the height of land
measured from sea level. A legend explains each color and the elevation it represents. Relief maps use
maps.
shading to show 3-D height of land such as mountains. Topographic maps display the earth’s surface.
Political Map of North America
Physical Map of North America