Kinds of Maps Worksheets Grades 5-6 - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step to match each description with the correct map type from the box.

We have this list of map types:
- Cartogram
- Political Map
- Climate Map
- Contour
- Floor Plan
- Pictorial
- Physical Map
- Globe
- Road Atlas
- Geologic
- Nautical
- Population Map
- Street Map
- Aerial

Now let’s look at each numbered clue and think about which map fits best.

1. uses pictures to give information about place
→ This is describing a *Pictorial* map — it uses drawings or photos to show places, like landmarks or scenes.

2. used by sailors to find their way
→ Sailors use water-based navigation → that’s a *Nautical* map (or chart).

3. shows where to find different rock formations
→ Rocks and earth layers = geology → *Geologic* map.

4. shows the layout of a room
→ That’s exactly what a *Floor Plan* does — shows walls, doors, furniture inside a building.

5. shows the landforms of the area
→ Landforms = mountains, valleys, rivers → that’s a *Physical Map*.

6. shows where highways and other roads go
→ Roads and highways → could be *Street Map* or *Road Atlas*. But “highways” suggests broader travel → *Road Atlas* is better for long-distance routes. However, “Street Map” usually shows local streets. Let’s check #7 too. Actually, #6 says “highways and other roads” — so maybe *Road Atlas*? Wait — but “Street Map” can also include highways in cities. Hmm. Let’s hold on. Looking again: “Road Atlas” is typically a book of road maps for traveling between towns/cities. “Street Map” is more detailed for urban areas. Since it says “highways AND other roads”, probably *Road Atlas* is intended here. But wait — let’s see if there’s a better fit later. Actually, looking at common usage, “Street Map” often includes major roads too. But let’s compare with #7.

Wait — actually, let’s re-read:
#6: “shows where highways and other roads go” → This sounds like a general road map. In many contexts, “Street Map” refers to city streets, while “Road Atlas” is for regional/national roads including highways. So I’ll go with *Road Atlas* for #6.

But wait — let’s double-check all clues first before finalizing.

7. shows the land from a bird's-eye view
→ Bird’s-eye view = looking down from above → that’s an *Aerial* map (like satellite or airplane photos).

8. shows statistics in diagrams on a map
→ Statistics + diagrams → that’s a *Cartogram* — it distorts size based on data (like population) or adds charts/pie graphs onto the map.

9. helpful when researching weather
→ Weather = climate patterns → *Climate Map*.

10. shows the highs and lows of the landscape
→ Highs and lows = elevation changes → shown with contour lines → *Contour* map.

11. a spherical map of Earth
→ Spherical = round → that’s a *Globe*.

12. shows how people are spread out over the land
→ People distribution → *Population Map*.

Now let’s revisit #6 and #7 to make sure we didn’t mix them up.

#6: “shows where highways and other roads go” → If it’s about navigating roads, especially for driving, *Road Atlas* is designed for that — it’s a collection of road maps showing highways, interstates, etc.

#7: “bird’s-eye view” → definitely *Aerial*, since aerial means taken from the air.

Also, note: “Street Map” might seem tempting for #6, but street maps are usually for walking/driving within a city, focusing on small streets. Highways are more associated with road atlases or highway maps. Since “Road Atlas” is in the list, and it’s specifically for roads/highways, we’ll assign that to #6.

What about “Street Map”? It’s not used yet. Did we miss something?

Looking back: Is there any clue left for “Street Map”? Not really. Maybe it’s a distractor? Or perhaps I misassigned.

Wait — let’s list our assignments so far:

1. Pictorial
2. Nautical
3. Geologic
4. Floor Plan
5. Physical Map
6. Road Atlas
7. Aerial
8. Cartogram
9. Climate Map
10. Contour
11. Globe
12. Population Map

That’s 12 answers — perfect. And “Street Map” isn’t used. But that’s okay — sometimes worksheets have extra options. The instructions say “choose a map type from the box” — doesn’t say you must use every one. So it’s fine.

Double-checking each:

1. Pictorial → yes, uses pictures. ✔
2. Nautical → sailors → yes. ✔
3. Geologic → rock formations → yes. ✔
4. Floor Plan → room layout → yes. ✔
5. Physical Map → landforms → yes. ✔
6. Road Atlas → highways and roads → yes. ✔
7. Aerial → bird’s-eye view → yes. ✔
8. Cartogram → statistics/diagrams → yes. ✔
9. Climate Map → weather research → yes. ✔
10. Contour → highs/lows (elevation) → yes. ✔
11. Globe → spherical Earth → yes. ✔
12. Population Map → people spread out → yes. ✔

All matched correctly.

Final Answer:
1. Pictorial
2. Nautical
3. Geologic
4. Floor Plan
5. Physical Map
6. Road Atlas
7. Aerial
8. Cartogram
9. Climate Map
10. Contour
11. Globe
12. Population Map