A general-purpose map displays a variety of geographical features without emphasizing any single one. These maps serve to show locations of features, including boundaries, place names, landmarks, roads, waterways, and other relevant elements. Examples include road maps, atlas maps, and wall maps commonly found in classrooms. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of an area, allowing users to locate places and understand their spatial relationships to one another.
The value of these cartographic representations lies in their versatility. They are fundamental tools for navigation, geographic understanding, and spatial analysis. Historically, they have played a crucial role in exploration, resource management, and urban planning, providing a baseline of geographic information upon which more specialized maps can be based. Their broad appeal makes them essential for a wide audience, from travelers to researchers.