A map have the right to be a primary or second source. If a map was produced as immediate proof of an area, then it is a primary source. If the map is just a symbolic explicate of a room then that is a an additional source. Because that example, maps that Hispaniola made by Columbus in the 1490s are major sources, yet a map produced in 2005 mirroring Columbus' first conquered land is a secondary source.

You are watching: Was the railroad map a primary or secondary source

A map that you make on a scrap of file of the layout the a piece of land you saw have the right to be provided as a main source. In this sense, Columbus maps that Hispaniola and your map out are direct evidence of one area, therefore primary sources. In contrast, a lay out you do of an area you have not seen and also the map the Columbus' very first conquered land make in 2005 space not straight accounts that a surface, make them second sources.

To illustrate further, the map below can be provided as a primary source in a study about the development of telegraph lines in between 1791 and also 1872. Nevertheless, it would certainly be classified as a an additional source in an analysis around maps the the world.


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Example the a map the is used as a main resource: Map of Telegraph lines (1855). Photo source: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/mmorse.071004

Frequently inquiry Questions about maps as primary sources


Is a map a an additional source?

A map have the right to be a main or an additional source. If a map was produced as immediate evidence of one area, then it is a major source. If the map is simply a symbolic relenten of a space then that is a secondary source.

Is a rail map a main or secondary source?

A rail map deserve to be a primary or secondary source. If the railroad map was developed as immediate proof of an area, climate it is a major source. If the map is simply a symbolic depiction of a space then it is a second source.

Is a mind map a major source?

It relies on the limit of the research. If you were to research study the means a particular mind organizes ideas, then the psychic is a main source.

Is a civilization map a primary source?

A civilization map have the right to be a main or an additional source. If the world map is contemporary and it is one immediate proof the world's division, then it is a major source. If the map is just a symbolic explicate of a room then that is a second source.

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Is an old map a main source?

It depends on the border of the research. If you were to research the background of maps, then an ancient map is a main source.