| Everyone has at least once been faced with standard topographic maps - whether at school, or when travelling. These maps are known for giving a very accurate presentation of the area. They reflect all the objects with scaling and using various lines. Although standard topographic maps constitute mostly a set of symbols that are not so easy for a customary user to understand. From time to time you need an expert to explain all the features on the map. Whatever the case, it'll take some time and efforts to learn the topographic maps language. Fortunately, there are lots of other methods to depict an area. They are large in number, but can be divided into 3 groups:
- Illustrated maps
- Panoramic maps
- Pictorial maps
You may guess what these kinds of maps represent by their names, but still we'll give some explanation to avert possible confusion.
In this way, an illustrated map represents a topographic map with a number of additional illustrations. It signifies that individual objects on the map (for example, buildings, places of activity or some other features) will be indicated by little images. This kind of maps is the closest one to the classical variant.
A panoramic map can be referred to as a picture of the landscape. From time to time it's also called a perspective because it pictures a certain area as it is viewed from a certain point in space. Such maps are very accurate about sizes, but on the other hand, various individual objects are scarcely recognizable or even not recognizable at all. Such type of maps is popular in certain fields of activity such as ski resorts depiction.
As far as pictorial map is concerned this type is focused on the details, but not at keeping accurate sizes. Individual objects are depicted with their distinctive features and, accordingly, are easily recognizable. On the other hand, distances don't always agree with the reality, form time to time the landscape can be slightly distorted or reduced since the emphasis is placed on the representation of objects. The named kind of maps enjoys high popularity thanks to their nice looks, self-descriptiveness and easiness in use. In spite of scale distortions they are very convenient for navigating while planning a travel or seeking a certain place. |
