Specialty Maps: Different Types of Maps and Where to Find Them

Have you ever found yourself running from one end of an airport to the other, wishing you had a map? Or, have you spent an afternoon fishing for trout in a lake you later learned didn't have any fish? Fortunately, specialty maps, including airport maps and hunting maps, can help you navigate unique locations, preventing you from getting lost so that you know where to look for whatever you are seeking.
 

Types of Specialty Maps

Specialty maps are designed for a specific purpose and usually map out things that aren't frequently mapped. Some examples of specialty maps include:
  • airport maps
  • ancient Mayan world maps
  • antique wall maps
  • atlases
  • Biblical places maps
  • butterfly maps
  • fishing maps
  • Grand Canyon maps
  • hunting maps
  • Native American maps.
These maps can be useful, whether they are used for navigating through a distinct region or for making a history or geography class come alive.

Finding and Using Specialty Maps

Fortunately, specialty maps aren't hard to find. However, depending on what you need, they can be a little expensive.
 
There are several online stores that sell specialty maps. Generally, they cost between $15 and $50. Specialty maps can:
  • be an excellent gift for someone with an interest in a particular subject (For instance, a $30 "Whales of the World" map could be an excellent gift for a whale watcher or a whale lover.)
  • be used as a detailed reference
  • provide excellent illustrations.

Airport Maps

There are two types of airport maps. The first is readily supplied by Web sites, making it easy to find the airport. They provide the address, phone number and a set of directions, which can be sent to your cell phone. The best part is they're free!
 
The second type of airport map is supplied by Fox World Travel, which provides an interior map of the airport's layout, including the terminals' locations. These maps can be useful if you're traveling in an airport you've never been to before. For example, if you're at O'Hare airport in Chicago and are trying to get to terminal three when you're near terminal one, you can figure out where to go using the airport map.
 
The Web site of the specific airport also has maps of individual terminals, concessions and other details, including the location of:
  • ATMS
  • bathrooms
  • elevators
  • escalators
  • food courts
  • shops.
These airport maps are also free. Fox World Travel has airport maps of nearly a hundred different national and international airports.

Fishing and Hunting Maps

Many fishing and hunting maps come with waterproof pouches to protect them from the elements. Bud Evan's, which provides hunting maps of Ontario, Canada, has maps for only about $10. These maps detail:
  • lakes
  • rivers
  • roads
  • species of fish.

Likewise, for hunters in the United States, it's possible to find maps of each state's hunting grounds, the rules, regulations, boundaries and available game. For example, Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources supplies interactive maps that include valuable information, such as:

  • when and where it's legal to hunt
  • where deer and other game are located
  • which seasons to hunt various game.
Finding specialty maps for someone with obscure passions can be a fun experience. Specialty maps, like butterfly maps or hunting maps, can be an excellent gift. Airport maps can be an excellent resource for the avid traveler. Or, for someone who always gets lost, specialty maps can be a great way to save time and help avoid the frustration of getting lost!
 
Resources
 
Bud Evans (n.d.). Bud Evans Fishing and Hunting Maps. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the Bud Evans Fishing and Hunting Maps Web site.
 
GoFox.com (2008). Airport Maps. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the Fox World Travel Web site.
 
Mapquest.com (2008). Airport Maps: Get Maps of the Largest Airports In Each State. Retrieved March. 20, 2008, from the Maquest.com Web site.