Introduce the concept of paper maps and their various types, including road maps, topographic maps, and thematic maps.

Paper maps are a physical representation of our world or a portion of it. They are typically printed on a flat surface and depict various geographical and topographical features. Paper maps have been used for centuries for navigation, exploration, and to understand the physical characteristics of different regions.

1. Road Maps: These are perhaps the most common type of paper maps. They primarily show roads, highways, and other transportation routes. They may also include information about points of interest, such as parks, landmarks, or tourist attractions. Road maps are typically used for navigation, especially for driving or cycling.

2. Topographic Maps: These maps show the physical features of an area in detail. They use contour lines to represent the three-dimensional features of the landscape, such as mountains, valleys, and plains. Each contour line on a topographic map represents a specific elevation, and the closer the lines are to each other, the steeper the terrain. These maps are often used in hiking, land use planning, and other activities that require a detailed understanding of the terrain.

3. Thematic Maps: These maps focus on a specific theme or topic, such as population density, climate, or political boundaries. The information is usually represented using different colors, symbols, or patterns. For example, a thematic map showing population density might use darker colors to represent areas with a higher population. Thematic maps are often used in research and planning.

In conclusion, paper maps are a versatile tool that can represent a wide range of information about our world. Whether you're planning a road trip, going on a hike, or researching a specific topic, there's likely a paper map that can help you.