RESEARCH TIPS
Maps
Using maps can help you find out about much more than getting around, says Tarja Moles
Tarja Moles
There’s more to maps than being mere aids for getting you from one location to another. They tell graphic stories about places – and these can be illuminating for your research.
Different maps for different purposes
There are many different types of maps, ranging from general ones to those that have been created with a particular purpose in mind. Having an understanding of what the different maps can offer will help you decide what the most suitable ones are for your research.
Physical maps are great for exploring the various physical aspects of landscape. They usually distinguish the different areas by colour: for instance, water areas are typically blue and mountains are brown.
Topographic maps tend to be similar to physical maps but, additionally, they use contour lines to indicate elevation in the terrain: the closer the lines are to each other, the steeper the gradient.