Geography Chapter-04: Maps

1. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) What are the three components of a map?

The three components of a map are

  1. Distance
  2. Direction
  3. Symbol

(b) What are the four cardinal directions?

The four cardinal directions are

  1. North
  2. East
  3. South
  4. West

(c) What do you mean by the term ‘the scale of the map’?

The scale is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map.

(d) How are maps more helpful than a globe?

Maps are more helpful than a globe in the following manner:

  • 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, maps is more useful as it can represent the entire earth's surface or a part of it.
  • Maps can be useful to show the physical features of the earth such as mountains, plateaus, plains etc., political boundaries such as countries, cities, towns and villages, etc. as well as specific information such as road maps, rainfall maps, distribution of forest, industries, etc.

(e) Distinguish between a map and a plan?

Map

  1. We can study a part or whole of the earth with the help of a map.
  2. A map contains a lot of information.
  3. A map shows only the very important features of the area.

Plan

  1. A plan is a detail of drawing of small areas.
  2. In plan, details are given in the form of symbols.
  3. A plan can show the length and the breadth.

 

(f) Which map provides detailed information?

Large scale maps provide detailed information. A thematic map provides detailed information.

(g) How do symbols help in reading maps?

Symbols give a lot of information in a limited space. It is not possible to draw on a map the actual shape and size of different features such as buildings, roads, bridges, trees, railway lines or a well. So, they are shown by using certain letters, shades, colours, pictures and lines. As it does not include any language, so one doesn't need to know regional language to understand it.

2. Tick the correct answers.

(a) Maps showing distribution of forests are

  • (i) Physical map
  • (ii) Thematic Map
  • (iii) Political map

► (ii) Thematic Map

(b) The blue colour is used for showing

  • (i) Water bodies
  • (ii) Mountains
  • (iii) Plains

► (i) Water bodies

(c) A compass is used

  • (i) To show symbols
  • (ii) To find the main direction
  • (iii) To measure distance

► (ii) To find the main direction

(d) A scale is necessary

  • (i) For a map
  • (ii) For a sketch
  • (iii) For symbols

► (i) For a map