Types of Digital Maps
- Digital maps allow for precision and accuracy in finding and identifying landmarks and locations.map image by araraadt from Fotolia.com
With tremendous detail and accuracy, digital maps almost instantly reflect changes to roadways and topography. Many types of maps are being used for all sorts of references, rather than just the traditional use of finding directions on a road trip. - Digital road maps provide accuracy that could never be matched by traditional paper booklet maps. Because digital road maps are created using computer science, programmers can record changes the instant one is reported, and thus digital road maps are updated continuously. Directions can be easily displayed, mileage counted and sometimes even construction or other delays posted on a digital road map.
- Digital geographical maps display land data such as elevation, altitude and landforms. The accuracy of a digital geographic map can determine the likelihood of natural disasters and other land problems. Police often use geographical maps to track and monitor criminal activity for statistical purposes, as well as crime-fighting logistics.
- Digital historical maps are created by projecting an old paper map onto a detailed computer image. Many historical maps are interactive and provide a great deal of information because programmers can add narratives and other material that can be viewed by clicking a portion of the map. As a learning tool, historical maps are most effective in digital form.
