An introduction to thematic maps and climate maps. Suitable for grades 8 and 9 social studies.

1. Created by tbonnar.

2.  A map is an image that represents an area of
the earth’s surface, usually from above.

3.  A map can provide
different
information such as
place names, land
features, elevation,
and political
boundaries.

4.  North is usually at
the top of the
map, check the
compass rose to see
if it has been
repositioned in a
different direction.

5.  Physical maps
indicate natural
features such as
mountains, deserts,
rivers and lakes.

6.  Political maps focus
on the division of
the earth’s surface
into different
countries, states or
provinces.

7.  Most maps in this
atlas will show
physical features as
well as country
borders, cities, and
towns.

8.  Today, scientists
can make more
accurate maps of
the world than
ever before.
 They can use
information from
satellites that
orbit the earth.

9.  A thematic map is one
that focuses on a
particular main idea (or
theme).
 These might include:
 Climate
 Vegetation
 Economy
 Population
 Language

11.  Map legends are very
important for all types
of maps, but perhaps
especially so for
thematic maps.
 Legends can include:
 Symbols
 Elevation
 Scale
 Colour Keys

12.  Maps often use symbols instead of words to
label real-life features and make maps clearer.

13.  Symbols
can be
small
pictures,
letters, lines
or coloured
areas.

14.  Each symbol
is placed in a
key or
legend next
to the map.
 The key
explains
what each
symbol
means.

15.  Climate Maps are a
type of Thematic Map.
 They present
information about
climate such as:
 Temperature
 Precipitation
 Sunshine Hours
 Growing Season
 Climate Regions
 Environmental Concerns

16.  Climate is the
overall weather
pattern of a region.
 The two major
aspects of climate
are temperature
and precipitation.

17.  A Climate Graph shows:
 A title
 Precipitation bars in blue
 A temperature line in red
 Months of the year
 Usually the Total Annual
Precipitation
 Sometimes the
growing season at 6°C
 Interactive Climate Graphs

18.  Revolution of the earth  Rotation of the earth
– causes seasons – causes day and night

19.  latitude – proximity to  altitude (elevation) –
the equator or to the temperature decreases
poles ex. high latitude 1 C for every increase
= lower temperatures of 165 metres

20.  wind – wind can lower or raise temperature
depending on where the wind comes from
 large bodies of water – water’s temperature
changes more slowly than land’s
temperature; therefore the temperature near
large bodies of water will be more moderate

21.  ocean currents – make the water cold or
warm and thus affect the land

22.  pollution (man-made or natural)
 gases in the atmosphere trap heat
 forest fires and volcanoes can also affect
temperature

23.  winds – will bring
precipitation to an
area
 large water bodies
– will usually
increase
precipitation in
that area

24.  air pressure –
differences in air
pressure cause
precipitation to fall

25.  temperature – interaction between warm
and cold air causes precipitation

26.  physiography – the presence of physical features
such as
mountains
or deserts

27.  Orographic – caused by mountains, as in
Greater Vancouver

28.  Convectional – thunderstorms, caused by the
rising of hot air

29.  Cyclonic – the most common type, caused by
differences in air pressure