One must wonder who uses maps or atlas in this technological era, having access to Google maps and phone compasses directing us towards our destinations. But maps are essential, even today, to find the right directions and locations.
One can discover the wonders found under the sea and oceans by using maps. When we look at the world map, we see 71% of the world is water, and a significant amount of this portion comes under oceans-further divided into five major parts-Pacific, the Atlantic, Arctic, Indian, and Southern oceans. Ocean Maps provides information for navigating these oceans.
Ocean Maps displays the configuration of the seafloor and shoreline. The oceans are busy, and with time they are getting more active. Activities like gas, oil, and mineral exploration and extraction are increasing seabed infrastructure. These things have many economic benefits but also risk marine life and human safety. To discover the seas quickly and regulate underwater resource exploration and extraction-oceans maps were designed hundreds of years ago.
Not only for oceans and sailors, but these maps hold a significant value historically. They are not as famous as land, or topographical maps, as around 90% of the oceans are still unexplored. But these always come in handy whether you plan a trip to the sea or want to sail a ship for some potential economic benefits-so. You must always carry this map, as it keeps you safe and leads you to your destination.
Significance of Using Ocean Maps
Following are the advantages when you are out for your water exploration and adventure:
- Offers vital information to protect and track marine life.
- Ensure that ships stay safe and find their way around during their maneuver around human-made and natural structures on the ocean.
- Help us know and avoid hazards, like shallow banks and rocks, so that the viewer can plan to build offshore structures.
- Guide the map readers about the water depths and locations of dangerous spots that shouldn’t be navigated.
- Ensures that ships safely maneuver around human-made and natural structures, situated at the bottom of the oceans.
- Depicts fishing activities, fish distribution, climate variation, and currents.
So, when you are on an adventure on an ocean, and your phone loses network or you are lost, then no worries, this piece of art will guide you to your destination!
How To Read Ocean Maps? Learn An Easy Way!
Knowing how to read and follow it is immensely significant to keep yourself and others safe and enjoy the water adventure. However, it provides a satisfying experience and saves you from hassle or wrong routes- big time!
But not to forget that learning to read takes a lot of patience, effort, and time- where you can compare like a map reader expert. So, let’s are some basics on how to read such maps:
- Use the scale indicator to track distance on a map.
- Find the unit of measurement used to indicate water depth.
- Follow dotted contour lines to monitor similar water depths.
- Look for light blue areas to identify shallow water.
- Find yellow or tan spots to identify land and sandbars.
- Look at the significance of the symbols on the map.
- Using the scale, estimate the distance between the points given on the map.
- Relate your map to the land.
- Use the compass rose to evaluate the directions on the maps.
- Constantly scrutinize the map to get questions of the answers you are looking for and be on the right destination.
Now, set your map and get started!
What Does Ocean Map shows? Why are they Important to Use?
Many centuries have gone by, and countless oceans have been sailed since the maps were designed. Maps hold a significant value; they guide us, and inspire us to teach us about the world we live in.
Ocean maps are a special type of map which specially tailors to the needs of marine navigation. These maps shows and help in exploring water depths and delineation of shorelines, famous topographical aspects, landmarks, and features, helps in navigation, and provide other navigational information and facts.
These maps are important because they:
- Help us to see our way around the oceans and provide us a safe marine navigation.
- Guide us in knowing where we are, where we are going, and how to reach our destination.
- Help us in exploring the depths of the water and also teach a lot about the history of the ocean you are traveling in.
- Inspire us and make us curious to learn and explore more.
If you are planning to explore an ocean or want to learn more about water depths than this map will not only help you navigate the marine but will also help you learn historical facts about the ocean.
Reasons to Use Maps in Today’s Era
Map making and designing is considered one of the humans’ most senior ancient skills, and people have benefited from maps for many centuries. Even in ancient times, they were made from stones and woods- with details and directions carved on them. Even today, while we have access to all the modern means of digital maps and compasses, none can deny the significance of using maps- be it any- topographical, river, ocean or historical maps.
A map maker designs maps by using the ancient and authentic surveying techniques- to navigate the directions- though the text on old maps must appear as a historical text to the readers- otherwise, the maps serve no purpose.
Maps serve countless meaningful purposes, out of which travelers’ safety is the most important one. They were designed by measuring certain positions of various objects, which calculated the angles and distance between each point.
So, let’s dig in some of the main reasons which will make your mind to use it. They are:
- They consist of historical facts, texts, etc.
- They guide you about prominent and valuable places, cities, and regions.
- They hold a significant value as they maintain the records, processes, and routes- which are helpful for trading and migration.
- These mapping shows the division and spread of people, religions, ethnicities, cities, countries, and continents.
- They comprehensively guide the relationships between terrain and military operations.
- They were handy on battlefields and guided the people about many hidden routes or shortcuts.
- They hold a precise value as they preserve the culture of map making- which helps people in map designing, etc.
- They show past people’s movements and the interaction of modern landscapes and ancient boundaries.
- They hold solid historical value for enthusiasts and historical researchers.
- They are beneficial as they add facts and data in new maps for guidance, a clear indication of places, etc.
Today, map makers or designers take information and contextual facts from old maps to create or recreate new and modern maps.
Now, if you must have developed an interest in buying it or if you or a historic enthusiast want to add to your ancient collection, an ocean map can be a fantastic addition to it!
Final Thoughts
Very few people are interested in mapmaking and reading, as it requires more vital analytical and critical thinking and a vast interest in history. But with time, thinking of people is changing, and people have shown and grown a heart to learn about printed and digital maps.
Ocean maps or any other map very pleasantly portrays the image of the past, relinquishes the past, and gives you an eye to criticize the future.
If you are willing to go on a trip to the ocean or have developed an interest in reading an ocean map, grab one from a map shop- be a historical enthusiast. In addition there are several other interesting maps available for you to enjoy the variation in maps and how explanatory they can be.
FAQs
Q. Why is it hard to map the oceans?
Mapping the oceans is a very tough task, as the same techniques cannot be used in mapping the land. To map the oceans, some fantastic tools and methods are used.
Q. Why are different colors used to mark oceans on maps?
Different colors have marked oceans by sailors for the last thousand years. It is the best technique today as it is a more reliable chart than the latest electronics.
Q. Which color is used to mark oceans on maps?
Each feature or place shown on the map is traced with a different color on the map. Similarly, the blue color is used to keep oceans on the maps.