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If you are student of geography, history, or economics, your professors might have always reminded you to have a map on hand. A map can show you where certain roads lead, and how modern or well built these roads are. A map can show you which areas are the most densely populated, and which areas have more lands or animals than people.

A map can show you where some countries end, where others begin, and even why some boundaries are still being fought over. All these things are readily applicable to a world map, so why should you have a state map on hand?

As many religion buffs will tell you, God is in the details, and this simply means that looking at individual details can be as enriching and exciting as looking at the larger, general picture. A state map can show you details about your state, and other states in the Union, along with a lot of information that you can tie into your studies as a future geographer, historian, chronicler, or economist.

In fact, knowledge of geography is essential to so many different fields, that having a map nowadays is essential to anyone's studies! Scientists use it to plot the routes of certain animals; ecologists use it to see how weather patterns can affect certain locations; politicians use it to determine how they should rule their territories; and even musicians use it to guide them on their tours!

A state map can help you do all this and more. With individual maps of all states tied in with a general map of the United States , you can understand why some states have more people than others; why some states rely on agriculture for their livelihood while others rely heavily on industries; and why some states have problems with water, food, or uncontrollable illegal immigration. All you need to do is to find state maps that are integrated with statistics, or state maps that specialize in certain factors that affect state economics, politics, and budget.

If you are interested in traveling cross country and taking your car through a variety of roads and curious stops, look for a book of state maps that show where different highways go, and where you can stop for a bite, fun, amusement, or a night's rest. Such state maps should show, with the help of color codes and legends, which roads are highways and which are back roads, which roads are still being repaired or built, or which roads might be closed when weather conditions grow a bit harsh and rough.

If you are traveling cross country, but you do not have a car, then you might want to buy a book of state maps that show the routes of major bus or train lines. You can get such maps at truck, train, or bus stops. Having such a map can allow you to have a bit of fun. Some bus lines stop at major tourist locations, so if you want to feel what life is like on the open road without worrying if you will fall asleep at the wheel, then take a bus or train across America and stare out the window as the country speeds past your eyes.

You might also want to look for a book or collection of state maps that have information on state statistics, such as the major crops that are being produced, the number of people and the locations of certain ethnic groups, and even the state budget for different important aspects of economics and politics. Such statistics can help you understand why some states are more modern-looking than others, or why some states specialize in certain foods or crops.

Be sure to look for detailed state maps that show the different districts you can visit, so that you can be familiar with municipalities or cities that might be significant to your field of study or interest.

No matter where you are going, and no matter what you are studying, state maps can help you understand geography, economics, and history better. With all this information on hand, you can find your schoolwork easier to do, your lessons more exciting to learn, and your travels more interesting as you know exactly where you want to go.