As well as a classic world map poster showing countries and nation states, any data that is relevant on a global scale can be represented on a world map. This article explores seven such maps.
1. World climatology
Strictly speaking, there are in fact a variety of sub maps to this one. A key one will show the average annual precipitation across the globe. From this, it will be clear that areas around the northern part of South America, central Africa and South East Asia receive the most rainfall, as do the surrounding seas. Almost all these locations are found within the two tropics, the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Northern Africa, the Middle East and parts of central Asia show evidence of the lowest precipitation levels, as does the Arctic and Antarctic.
A map of this type might also show tropical storm tracks. Other data that can be plotted includes atmospheric pressure at given times in the year, or annual evaporation.
2. World climate
This splits the world up according to predominant land type. For example, dry, polar or tropical areas, and cool or warm humid zones. Tropical zones are largely those described as having the most rainfall in section 1 above. These zones can also be related to the sort of food products with the most potential, both in terms of plants and livestock.
3. World Food
This might show areas where specific food types are produced, but could also be overlaid with information on food consumption levels or food export levels.
4. World Energy
Two classic data types that are plotted on a map depicting energy are levels of energy reserves by location and energy consumption.
5. World Minerals
Showing the distribution of key mineral deposits. Of course, the picture is far from complete. Little is known on the full make-up resources in many countries and huge swathes of the ocean beds have barely been touched.
6. World vegetation
Broad categories depicting vegetation by colour would typically include areas of tundra (with mosses and lichen predominant), prairies (with long grass), forest (with lots of sub types) and desert (cacti, grass and some shrubs).
Linked to this, and clearly interrelated are maps showing temperature, either as an annual average or at specific times in the year, or maps detailing soil type.
7. World Population
Exploring the density of human life and its distribution. Again, this might be typically depicted by different colours that relate to numbers of people per square mile or metre. A useful method which is often employed is to make higher population density areas progressively dark in colour. It is then much easier to pick out quickly areas on the map that meet this criterion. They tend to stand out much better.