| Everyone has at least once faced classical topographic maps - whether at school, or while being a traveler. Such maps are famous for giving a very precise presentation of the landscape. They reflect all the objects with the help of scale and using different lines. Although standard topographic maps represent mostly a set of symbols that are not so simple for an ordinary user to understand. Sometimes you need a specialist to explain some features on the map. Whatever the case, it will take some time and efforts to learn the topographic maps language. Luckily, there are plenty of other methods to depict an area. They are large in number, but can be divided into 3 main groups:
- Illustrated maps
- Panoramic maps
- Pictorial maps
You may surmise what these kinds of maps constitute by their names, but we'll give some explanation to prevent confusion.
This way, an illustrated map is a topographic map with a number of added illustrations. It means that individual objects on the map (for example, churches, parks or other features) will be indicated by small pictures. This kind of maps is the closest one to the standard variant.
A panoramic map may be regarded as a portrait of the landscape. Now and then it is also called a perspective as it depicts a certain area as it's viewed from above. Such maps are very accurate about sizes, but on the other hand, different individual objects are scarcely recognizable or even not recognizable at all. Such kind of maps is widespread in certain branches such as ski resorts depiction.
As far as pictorial map is concerned this type is focused on the details, but not at keeping accurate dimensions. Individual objects are pictured with their distinctive features and, accordingly, are easily distinguishable. On the other hand, distances do not always correspond with the reality, sometimes the landscape can be slightly distorted or reduced as the stress is placed on the representation of objects. The given kind of maps enjoys wide popularity due to their nice looks, informative filling and easiness in use. Despite scale distortions they are very convenient for navigating when planning a tour or looking for a certain place. |
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