Maps are models for representing cities primordial on the development of urban studies, projects, and plans. The production of maps requires technical and artistic knowledges. Otherwise it would lead to a distorted reading and interpretation of urban phenomena and processes, as well as to non-adequate urban proposes. This paper aims to present and discuss the limits and possibilities of Cartography to represent cities. Initially it is done a brief review of the concepts of maps, considering their types and applications. Then it is analyzed the characteristics of four basic cartographic elements applied in the representation of cities: coordinate, symbol, scale, and projection. In the end, it is made some comments about the relationship between representation and reality.
Kewyords: cities, maps, coordinate, symbols, scales, projections.