Maps are divided into groups on several grounds - the scale, focus, geographical coverage, projections, etc. However, any well-conducted classification should take into account at least two of the first feature. In the United States on the scale is divided into three groups: large-scale maps (including topographic), medium-and small-scale, or sightseeing. 

A large scale map of the whole world are key because they provide the primary information used in the mapping of medium and small scale. The most common of them are larger-scale topographic maps of 1:250 000. 

In today's topographic relief the map of the whole world is normally displayed using contour line, or contour lines that connect points having the same height above the zero level (usually sea level). The totality of these lines gives a very expressive picture of the Earth's surface topography and allows you to define the following characteristics: slope angle, profile slope and the relative excess. In addition to the relief topographic maps contain other useful information. Usually they show highways, towns, political and administrative boundaries. A set of additional information (egg, distribution of forests, bogs, loose sandy tracts, etc.) depends on the purpose of maps and terrain characteristics. 
No country, requiring assessment of their natural resources, can not do without surveying the holding of which is largely facilitated by the use of aerial photographs. Nevertheless, until now, many areas of the globe there are no topographic maps, which are essential for engineering purposes. Success in solving this problem has been achieved with the so-called ortho photo. As a basis ortho photo maps are used, processed on a computer routine aerial photos with high brightness and colours painted on them contours, boundaries, geographic names, etc. Ortho photo maps and satellite imagery with raised them elements of a topographic load is much less labour-intensive to manufacture than traditional topographic maps. Many large-scale thematic maps - geological, soil, vegetation and land use - use topographic maps as a basis on which special stress is applied. Other special large-scale maps, such as inventory or plans of cities, may not have a topographic base. Typically, such a relief map does not show, or is depicted very schematically.

Medium-scale maps. As large-scale topographic and medium-sized maps are usually available in sets, each of which meets certain requirements. Most of the medium is published for the needs of regional planning or navigation. The greatest territorial coverage of different medium International Map of the world and aeronautical charts the USA. Both sets of cards are issued on a scale of 1:1 000 000 - the most common for medium-sized cards. In preparation for the International Map of the world, each country on its territory produces maps, prepared in accordance with the specified common requirements. This work is coordinated by the UN, but many maps have become obsolete, while others have not yet been completed. A content of the International Map of the world basically correspond to the content of topographic maps, but is more generalization. The same applies to the aerial navigation world maps, but most of these sheets of cards marked additional special load. Aeronautical Charts cover the entire land. The average scale compiled some marine or hydro graphic charts, which focuses the image of water bodies and shoreline. Some administrative and road maps also have an average scale.