Types of maps

Mindmap

1 Eight types of maps and

their uses in tourism

2 Electronic maps (4
types)

3 Other ICT in tourism

(Information
Communication
Technology)
 Maps show the following

A map usually has a title which describes what the

map show.
The places on the map, such as names of towns and
cities are usually labelled.
Lines of latitude and longitude give the position
of the area relative to the globe
The scale tells you how many centimetres on the
ground are represented by one centimetre on the
map. The scale also gives you an idea of the size of
the area that is shown
 1.1 General reference maps

Cover an area such as a continent or country

Include maps that focus on a specific theme in a
specific are e.g. population distribution in SA
Uses:
 Valuable source of general information about an area to
tourists
 Information may features such as roads, railway, dams.

Type of Example Explanation Uses and value in Tourism

map
General South Africa Map showing a specific Tourist can get a general idea of
Reference theme of an area where the county or area is located on
maps the map / general information
 1.2 Road maps

 Useful maps for tourists because they indicate the roads

that connect towns and cities.
 Indicate distance between towns and cities
 Useful: easy to work out the time between destinations

Type of Example Explanation Uses and value in Tourism

map
Road Roads leading to Give details regarding Tourists can work out the travelling
maps Kimberley roads leading to a specific time and the route they want to
city/ area follow / distance between cities
 1.3 Street maps

 Details regarding street plans of a specific town

 Show features like tourist attractions, hotels, shopping
areas
 Useful to tourists for finding their way around the town

Type of Example Explanation Uses and value in Tourism

map
Street Streets in Give details regarding It is easier to find their way around
maps Kimberley city street plans for a specific the areas and to allocate specific
centre city and the attractions in attractions in the area. / show
the city where is he hotel
 1.4 Political maps

 These maps show the location of the borders of

countries, states and provinces
 Help tourists who plan to travel across borders, show where
the destinations are located in relation to each other.

Type of Example Explanation Uses and value in Tourism

map
Political Southern Show locations and Tourist can plan their routes if
maps African map borders of countries , they want to cross borders and
states , provinces find the gateways
1.5 Physical maps

 Show natural and man-made features of an area.

 Include climate regions, mountains, vegetation and rivers.
 Use different colours to show the relief.

Type of Example Explanation Uses and value in Tourism

map
Physical Map of SA Show natural and man- Tourists can see whether they are
maps showing all the made physical features, crossing a mountain or river, darker
rivers e.g. climate regions, colours on the map can show the
vegetation and rivers, height above sea level. They can see
different colours are used. the climate for the region and will
know what to pack for the trip
1.6 Specialist maps

 Show specific, specialised information such as climate or the

location of airports.
 The tourists use these maps to find information regarding their
destinations
Type of Example Explanation Uses and value in Tourism
map
Specialist Map of the Show specific Tourists can use these maps to
s maps train routes in information e.g. find specific information
SA communication, regarding their trip e.g. where
airlines, climate to find the airports
 1.7 Tourist information maps

Specific information regarding an area

Show features like national parks, World Heritage
sites, shops etc.
Type of map Example Explanation Uses and value in Tourism
Tourist Map of Maps containing It is helpful to tourists to see where
information Mpumalanga specific information is what in the specific area
maps showing national about an area like
parks and restaurants,
heritage sites attractions
1.8 Tourist attraction maps

 Maps focus on an specific area

 Usually a meander map, include details

Type of map Example Explanation Uses and value in Tourism

Tourist Map of a specific These maps focus Gives you specific information about
attraction attraction e.g. specifically on the the attraction and where to find
maps Gold Reef City attraction what at the attraction, the layout
map and the facilities.
 Where do we find these maps?

Visitors Information centres, Tourists information

centres, Accommodation establishments like hotels,
The AA, travel agents, Travel guide books, Travel
magazines, Atlases, Tourists destination at reception
offices or information counters
Electronic maps: Maps that are available on electronic
devices and such as computers, smart phones, tablets or
laptops
Information Communication Technology (ICT): all the
communication devise that provide information and help
with communication
Type of map Example Explanation Uses and value in Tourism
Electronic GPS maps e.g. The GPS receives data sent from Useful to tourist who are travelling
maps - GPS TomTom maps satellites and then use the data independently by car or hiring a car. You
to generate a map using the can see the exact picture of an area or see
latitude and longitude lines. the street view of a place. You can easily
follow the directions shown on a GPS,
many places gives their GPS coordinates
as their location.
Electronic Google Earth – It is an internet map that show You can find any place on earth before
maps – Google updated instantly and you the satellite image of you travel to the place
Earth can be accessed on anything on the earth/ globe
computer, smart
phone or tablet
Electronic Google Street View It is part of the google maps and you can see the exact picture of the area
maps – Google you can see the exact picture of or building as if you are walking next to
Street View the area or building as if you are the building This is a very nice tool to
walking next to the building view and compare different places.
Electronic Google Street maps It is part of the google maps and You can use this tool to ask for directions
maps – Google offer street maps and route from your position to the attraction
Street maps planners f or tourists
Interactive Map you find on a The tourist can use zoom in on a Tourists will get more information and
maps website or at an map and get more information can zoom in as much as they like to see
airport for example: on the map, the accommodation the area they are looking for.
www.saexplorer.co.za or attractions in a area become
clickable and then provide more
information