Maps - Long Answer Questions
A map is a representation or a drawing of the earth's surface or a part of it drawn on a flat surface according to a scale.
Maps showing natural features of the earth such as mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, oceans, etc. are called physical or relief maps.
Maps showing cities, towns and villages, and different countries and states of the world with their boundaries are called political maps.
Some maps focus on specific information; such as road maps, rainfall maps, maps showing distribution of forests, industries, etc.
Distance, Direction and Symbol.
Scale is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map.
When a large area like continents is shown on a small paper, it is a small scale map (e.g. 1cm = 500km). When a small area like a village is shown on a large paper, it is a large scale map (e.g. 1cm = 500m). Large scale maps give more information.
The four major directions, North, South, East and West are called cardinal points.
An instrument used to find out main directions. Its magnetic needle always points towards North-South direction.
Universal symbols used to depict features like buildings, roads, bridges, trees, etc. There is an international agreement regarding the use of these symbols.
Blue (Water), Brown (Mountain), Yellow (Plateau), Green (Plains).
A drawing mainly based on memory and spot observation and not to scale. Sometimes a rough drawing is required to show the location of a place.
A drawing of a small area on a large scale. A plan gives details like the length and breadth of a room, which cannot be shown in a map.
A globe can be useful when we want to study the earth as a whole. But when we want to study only a part of the earth (country/state/town), it is of little help.
North-East (NE), South-East (SE), South-West (SW), North-West (NW). We can locate any place more accurately with these.
It is impossible to draw the actual shape and size of real features. Symbols make maps easier to read even if you don't know the language of an area.
Most maps contain an arrow marked with the letter 'N' at the upper right hand corner. It shows the north direction. Once you know north, you can find other directions.
No, because it is impossible to flatten a round shape completely. There will always be some distortion.
Map: Large/Small area, scale varies, shows features. Plan: Small area, large scale, shows detailed dimensions.
The study and practice of making maps.
Maps - Important Facts
A map is a flat representation of Earth.
Atlas is a collection of maps.
Physical maps show mountains/rivers.
Political maps show boundaries.
Thematic maps show specific data.
Scale is crucial for maps.
1 cm = 500 km is a small scale.
1 cm = 500 m is a large scale.
Large scale maps provide more detail.
The arrow 'N' shows North.
Cardinal points are N, S, E, W.
Compass uses a magnetic needle.
The magnetic needle points North-South.
Blue color always indicates water.
Brown color indicates mountains.
Yellow indicates plateaus.
Green indicates plains.
Sketch is a rough drawing without scale.
Plan is a detailed drawing with scale.
Conventional symbols are internationally agreed upon.
PO stands for Post Office.
WTO stands for Watch Tower (on some maps).
PS stands for Police Station.
RH stands for Rest House.
Maps are easier to carry than globes.
GPS uses satellite maps.
The first maps were made by Babylonians.
Ptolemy created famous early maps.
Mercator projection is common for navigation.
Distortion happens when flattening the globe.
Topographic maps show elevation lines.
Contours connect points of equal height.
Symbols typically look like the objects they represent.
River is shown as a blue wavy line.
Railway lines have specific symbols (Broad/Meter gauge).
Temple, Church, and Mosque have distinct symbols.
Graveyards are often marked.
Trees are shown as green clumps.
Settlements are shown as red blocks.
Maps help in urban planning.
Military relies heavily on maps.
Intermediate directions help navigation.
Without scale, a map is just a sketch.
A map has a title.
A map has a legend or key.
A map has a North arrow.
Google Maps is a digital map.
Digital maps can be zoomed (changing scale).
Latitude/Longitude grid helps location on maps.
The scale is usually at the bottom of the map.
Maps - Important Dates/Coordinates
Key concept: Scale Ratio (e.g. 1:50000)