Map vs. Atlas — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 1, 2023
A map is a detailed representation of an area, while an atlas is a collection of maps, typically bound into a book. They serve to depict geographical information, but on different scales.
Difference Between Map and Atlas
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The word Map generally refers to a detailed representation of a particular area, showcasing geographical and man-made features. On the other hand, an Atlas is a compilation of many maps, typically bundled together in book format. Both are indispensable tools in the world of geography and navigation.
Historically, a Map has been used to provide direction, detail landscapes, and depict boundaries. While maps focus on singular areas or concepts, an Atlas encompasses a broader range of geographical data. The term Atlas historically ties to the Titan of Greek mythology, who was often depicted holding the world on his shoulders.
When someone uses a Map, they might be looking at a specific city, country, or even a thematic representation, such as a climate or population density map. On the contrary, turning to an Atlas offers a range of maps. For instance, an Atlas might provide maps for each country in a continent, with detailed insets for major cities and areas of interest.
Practically, a Map can be a single sheet, detailing anything from a small neighborhood to an entire country. An Atlas, by virtue of its nature, is more comprehensive, offering a collection of maps that provide a larger and more detailed view of areas, regions, or the entire world. Both are crucial tools, but the choice between them depends on the breadth and specificity of the information sought.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Representation of a specific area or theme
Collection of various maps
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Composition
Single sheet
Typically a bound book
Scale
Can vary from local to global
Usually encompasses larger scales or regions
Usage
To detail a specific place or concept
To provide a comprehensive geographical view
Historical Reference
Derived from the word "mappa" meaning cloth or sheet
Named after the Titan Atlas from Greek myth
Compare with Definitions
Map
A graphical representation of a particular area.
The map displayed the entire city's layout.
Atlas
A book of maps or charts.
I referred to the atlas to study the geography of Asia.
Map
A diagrammatic representation of a process or system.
She drew a map of the project's workflow.
Atlas
A collection of illustrations or diagrams on any subject.
The atlas of human anatomy was extensive.
Map
A symbolic depiction of certain characteristics over an area.
The map showed rainfall distribution across the continent.
Atlas
A size of drawing or writing paper.
He used an atlas sheet for his large sketch.
Map
A guide providing direction or information.
I used the treasure map to locate the hidden chest.
Atlas
An atlas is a collection of maps; it is typically a bundle of maps of Earth or a region of Earth. Atlases have traditionally been bound into book form, but today many atlases are in multimedia formats.
Map
A map is a symbolic depiction emphasizing relationships between elements of some space, such as objects, regions, or themes. Many maps are static, fixed to paper or some other durable medium, while others are dynamic or interactive.
Atlas
Greek Mythology A Titan condemned by Zeus to support the heavens upon his shoulders.
Map
A representation, usually on a plane surface, of a region of the earth, intended primarily to provide information about the relative location or nature of features within that region.
Atlas
Atlas A person who supports a great burden.
Map
A similar representation of a region of the sky or of a celestial object
A map of the constellations of the southern hemisphere.
Atlas
A book or bound collection of maps, sometimes with supplementary illustrations and graphic analyses.
Map
Something that suggests such a representation, as in clarity of representation
A map of the human genome.
Atlas
A volume of tables, charts, or plates that systematically illustrates a particular subject
An anatomical atlas.
Map
(Mathematics) The correspondence of elements in one set to elements in the same set or another set.
Atlas
A large size of drawing paper, measuring 26 × 33 or 26 × 34 inches.
Map
(Slang) The human face.
Atlas
Pl. at·lan·tes (ăt-lăntēz) Architecture A standing or kneeling figure of a man used as a supporting column, as for an entablature or balcony. Also called telamon.
Map
(Genetics) A genetic map.
Atlas
(Anatomy) The top or first cervical vertebra of the neck, which supports the skull.
Map
To make a map of.
Atlas
A bound collection of maps often including tables, illustrations or other text.
Map
To depict as if on a map
Grief was mapped on his face.
Atlas
A bound collection of tables, illustrations etc. on any given subject.
Map
To explore or make a survey of (a region) for the purpose of making a map.
Atlas
A detailed visual conspectus of something of great and multi-faceted complexity, with its elements splayed so as to be presented in as discrete a manner as possible whilst retaining a realistic view of the whole.
Map
To plan or delineate, especially in detail; arrange
Mapping out her future.
Atlas
A family of coordinate charts that cover a manifold.
Map
(Genetics) To locate (a gene or DNA sequence) in a specific region of a chromosome in relation to known genes or DNA sequences.
Atlas
(anatomy) The uppermost vertebra of the cervical spine in the neck in humans and some other animals.
Map
(Mathematics) To establish a mapping of (an element or a set).
Atlas
One who supports a heavy burden; mainstay.
Map
A visual representation of an area, whether real or imaginary, showing the relative positions of places and other features.
A map of Australia, a map of Lilliput
Atlas
(architecture) A figure of a man used as a column.
Map
A graphical or logical representation of any structure or system, showing the positions of or relationships between its components.
A map of the Earth's magnetic field
Atlas
(paper) A sheet of paper measuring 26 inches by 34 inches.
Map
(mathematics) A function. Category:en:Functions
Let be a map from to
Atlas
(historical) A rich satin fabric.
Map
(entomology) Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genera Araschnia (especially, Araschnia levana) and Cyrestis, having map-like markings on the wings.
Atlas
One who sustains a great burden.
Map
The face.
Atlas
The first vertebra of the neck, articulating immediately with the skull, thus sustaining the globe of the head, whence the name.
Map
An imaginary or fictional area, often predefined and confined, where a game or a session thereof takes place.
I don't want to play this map again!
Atlas
A collection of maps in a volume
Map
(computing) associative array.
Atlas
A volume of plates illustrating any subject.
Map
(transitive) To represent by means of a map.
This large atlas maps the whole world in very great detail.
Figure 3 maps the pressure distribution within the human circulatory system.
Atlas
A work in which subjects are exhibited in a tabular from or arrangement; as, an historical atlas.
Map
(transitive) To create a map of; to examine or survey in order to gather information for a map.
The team is mapping the route of the new railway line.
The space probe is mapping the Earth's gravitational field.
This equipment is designed to map the neurons of the human brain in three dimensions.
Atlas
A large, square folio, resembling a volume of maps; - called also atlas folio.
Map
To have a direct relationship; to correspond.
This doesn't map to my understanding of how things should work.
Atlas
A rich kind of satin manufactured in India.
Map
To create a direct relationship to; to create a correspondence with.
Atlas
(Greek mythology) a Titan who was forced by Zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders
Map
To act as a function on something, taking it to something else.
maps to , mapping every to .
Atlas
A collection of maps in book form
Map
To assign a drive letter to a shared folder.
Atlas
The 1st cervical vertebra
Map
A representation of the surface of the earth, or of some portion of it, showing the relative position of the parts represented; - usually on a flat surface. Also, such a representation of the celestial sphere, or of some part of it.
Atlas
A figure of a man used as a supporting column
Map
Anything which represents graphically a succession of events, states, or acts; as, an historical map.
Thus is his cheek the map of days outworn.
Atlas
A book of tables or data.
The atlas contained detailed statistics about world economies.
Map
To represent by a map; - often with out; as, to survey and map, or map out, a county. Hence, figuratively: To represent or indicate systematically and clearly; to sketch; to plan; as, to map, or map out, a journey; to map out business.
I am near to the place where they should meet, if Pisanio have mapped it truly.
Atlas
The topmost vertebra of the backbone.
The atlas supports the skull.
Map
A diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
Map
A function such that for every element of one set there is a unique element of another set
Map
Make a map of; show or establish the features of details of;
Map the surface of Venus
Map
Explore or survey for the purpose of making a map;
We haven't even begun to map the many galaxies that we know exist
Map
Locate within a specific region of a chromosome in relation to known DNA or gene sequences;
Map the genes
Map
Plan, delineate, or arrange in detail;
Map one's future
Map
Depict as if on a map;
Sorrow was mapped on the mother's face
Map
To establish a mapping (of mathematical elements or sets)
Map
A detailed plan or scheme.
They created a roadmap for the software's development.
Common Curiosities
Is an atlas just one map?
No, an atlas is a collection of maps, typically in book form.
Can a map be digital?
Yes, with advancements in technology, many maps are now available in digital formats.
Can a map show non-geographical information?
Yes, maps can depict various themes, like population, climate, or even concepts.
Do all atlases focus only on geography?
While atlases primarily contain geographical maps, they can also include thematic maps or data tables.
What's the origin of the word "atlas" in this context?
It's named after the Titan Atlas from Greek mythology, often depicted holding the globe.
Which is more detailed, a map or an atlas?
While a map can offer detailed information about a specific area, an atlas provides broader coverage through multiple maps.
Can a map show topographical details?
Yes, topographical maps detail land contours, elevations, and other physical landscape features.
Is a roadmap considered a map?
Yes, a roadmap is a type of map detailing roads and transport routes.
Is a map always about a geographical place?
No, maps can represent various things, including data, processes, or even fictional places.
Is every map in an atlas the same size?
Not necessarily. An atlas can have varied sizes of maps based on the content's importance.
Are there atlases for specific subjects like botany?
Yes, there are specialized atlases that focus on specific subjects, offering relevant illustrations and data.
Can I find a world map in an atlas?
Yes, most geographical atlases will include a world map.
Do atlases come with explanations or just maps?
Most atlases include explanations, legends, and sometimes even additional data related to the maps.
Why might one choose an atlas over a single map?
An atlas offers comprehensive coverage, making it ideal for broader studies or when needing multiple related maps.
Can an atlas be digital?
Absolutely, many modern atlases are available in digital formats or as apps.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
