Trifter

Atlases generally contain reference maps so that many related maps can be contained in the same place. Reference maps often cover very large portions of the Earth, which means they’re created at small scales. Therefore, reference maps aren’t designed to provide extremely accurate depictions of locations. Instead, reference maps offer only the pattern and general locations of things.

Reference maps also commonly contain several types of information on the same map. In this way, the map helps orient users to the geography of the area represented, as a whole. A typical reference map contains features such as regional borders; names of major cities; major transportation routes; and often prominent physical features, such as major rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges. The above Figure shows a reference map of the Middle East from the CIA World Fact Book, which includes regional borders, transportation routes, and physical features.