MAPS
I. Definition and Utility of Maps
• A globe is useful for studying the Earth as a whole.
• The limitation of a globe is that it is of little help when studying only a part of the
Earth, such as a country, state, district, town, or village.
• A map is defined as 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 are highly useful and provide more information than a globe.
• An Atlas is a collection formed when many maps are put together. Atlases vary in size
and measurement and are drawn on different scales.
II. Types of Maps
Maps are generally categorised into three main types:
1. Physical Maps (Relief Maps): These maps show the natural features of the earth.
Examples include mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, and oceans.
2. Political Maps: These maps depict man-made divisions, showing cities, towns, and
villages, as well as the boundaries of different countries and states of the world.
3. Thematic Maps: These maps focus on specific information. Examples include road
maps, rainfall maps, or maps showing the distribution of forests or industries. A
suitable title is always provided based on the information shown.
III. Components of Maps
Maps have three essential components: Distance, Direction, and Symbol.
A. Component 1: Distance (Scale)
• Maps are drawings that reduce the entire world or part of it to fit on a sheet of
paper, meaning they are drawn to reduced scales.
• The reduction is done carefully to ensure the distance between places remains real.
• Scale is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown
on the map.
• Knowing the scale allows one to calculate the distance between any two places on
the map.
• Small Scale Map: Used to show large areas, such as continents or countries. For
example, 5 cm on the map representing 500 km on the ground.
• Large Scale Map: Used to show small areas, such as a village or town. For example, 5
cm on the map representing 500 metres only on the ground.
• Large scale maps give more detailed information than small scale maps.
B. Component 2: Direction
• Most maps feature an arrow marked 'N' (North) in the upper right corner, which is
called the north line.
• Cardinal Points (Major Directions): These are North, South, East, and West.
• Intermediate Directions: These are North-East (NE), South-East (SE), South-West
(SW), and North-West (NW). They help locate a place more accurately.
• Compass: This instrument is used to find the main directions. Its magnetic needle
always points towards the north-south direction.
C. Component 3: Symbol
• Symbols are crucial because it is impossible to draw the actual shape and size of
features (like roads, buildings, bridges, or wells) on a map.
• Features are shown using certain letters, shades, colours, pictures, and lines.
• Symbols convey a lot of information within a limited space and make maps easy to
read.
• Conventional Symbols: These symbols are based on an international agreement,
forming a universal language that is understood by all.
• Use of Colour Conventions:
o Blue is generally used for showing water bodies.
o Brown is used for mountains.
o Yellow is used for plateaus.
o Green is used for plains.
IV. Related Concepts: Sketch and Plan
• Sketch: A rough drawing based mainly on memory and spot observation. A sketch is
not drawn to scale. It is used to show the location of a particular place relative to
others.
• Plan: A drawing of a small area drawn on a large scale. Plans are useful for showing
details that cannot be shown in a map, such as the exact length and breadth of a
room.