What is defined as a map?

A map is fundamentally understood as a graphic representation of a portion of the earth's surface. This definition encompasses various types of maps, which may include road maps, topographic maps, and various thematic maps. The term "graphic representation" highlights that a map is an illustrated way to convey geographical information, often depicting elements like landforms, bodies of water, and human-made features.

This choice allows for a broader interpretation that includes not just the scale or other specific characteristics but also the visual nature of how maps communicate spatial information. While scale representation and digital layouts may also describe certain aspects of mapping or specific types of maps, they do not encompass the full essence of what constitutes a map in general. Satellite images, although descriptive of terrain, fall more into the category of imagery rather than traditional maps, focusing on photographic representation instead of illustrative, graphic interpretation. Thus, the definition that identifies a map specifically as a graphic representation provides a clearer and more accurate understanding of its fundamental nature.