Why do people use maps to describe places?

Question

i guess there is no exact answer, but ya any ideas why?

Answer 1

Critters has some really good answers.

We use maps as a symbolic representation of spatial relationships.

They can give a nearly infinite amount of information in a confined and succient space, while also eliminating the unnecessary detail.

We can overlay maps to show relationships between phenomenon. For example a language and religion map of Europe are very similar, so there must be a relationship in the culture exchange process.

Corny, but stolen fron a cartographer: because they fit better in your pocket than a lifesize model.

Answer 2

By mentioning latitudes and longitudes...................of the place

Answer 3

They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. A map is a picture of the land.

If you have to describe the location all the information can be drawn onto a map to the smallest detail (think of location as also the setting of a story). Imagine writing it all out. It would be very easy to refer back to a map then it would be to re-read all the description again.

Many people are more visual learners and when looking at a map will see and understand the location.

Others would prefer the written word and the brain itself will interpret and draw the map for you.

Notice all the people that have those GPS navigations thingies in their cars. verbal but has a map as well - prior to the invention of GPS most people carried a road map or some carried a road atlas or book.

Remember too, that you can get an exact location when using maps. Could be a grid reference - in the case of road map a number and a letter - where they meet, is the place OR more exact is lat. and long. where you can literally get the  pinpoint spot.

Many people will remember a map more so than a group of meaningless words.

Easy to use words like north, east, west and south when you have a map since on maps north is up the map as long as you are holding the map properly. If you have no map to orient yourself then some times directions such as 'go east along John Street is meaningless and people will turn in the wrong direction.

There's 5 for you.

Answer 4

We use maps to describe how to get to places, not what they're like - unless you're a dedicated geographer and can understand topographical maps with contour lines.