Keywords To Remember
Basic Terms
- Globe: A three-dimensional, spherical model of the Earth that shows the accurate shape and location of continents and oceans.
- Map: A two-dimensional, flat representation of the whole Earth or a part of it.
- Plan: A detailed layout of a small area, such as a building or park, drawn on a large scale.
- Atlas: A collection of maps bound in a book that may include physical, political, and thematic maps.
Map Components
- Scale: The ratio between the distance on a map and the actual distance on the ground (e.g., 1 cm = 10 km).
- Direction: Shows the orientation on a map (North, South, East, West).
- Compass: An instrument with a magnetic needle that points to the north, used for finding directions.
- Cardinal Directions: The four main directions—North, South, East, and West.
- Intermediate Directions: Directions between the cardinal ones—North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West.
Symbols & Colours
- Conventional Symbols: Commonly used symbols on maps that represent physical and man-made features (e.g., ∆ for mountain).
- Colour Scheme: Standardized use of colours on maps (e.g., blue for water, green for plains, brown for mountains).
Scientific Terms
- Cartography: The art and science of making maps.
- Cartographer: A person who creates maps.
- Three-dimensional: Having length, width, and height (e.g., a globe).
- Two-dimensional: Having only length and width (e.g., a map).
Types of Maps
- Political Map: A map showing boundaries of countries, states, cities, etc.
- Physical Map: A map showing natural features such as mountains, rivers, and plains.
- Thematic Map: A map focusing on a particular theme, like population, rainfall, or crops.
- Topographic Map: A large-scale map showing detailed physical features using contours and symbols.
- Small Scale Map: A map that shows large areas with limited detail.
- Large Scale Map: A map that shows small areas with great detail.
Historical and Miscellaneous
- Ptolemy: An Egyptian scholar known as the “Father of map-making”, who created the first scientific map.
- Mesopotamia: An ancient region where the first known map was created on a clay tablet.
- Eskimos: Indigenous people known to have created maps by sewing animal skins.
- Egyptians: Ancient people who engraved maps on metal plates.
Advanced Concepts
- Relief Features: The physical shape and elevation of the land, such as hills, valleys, and mountains.
- Representation: A way of showing or depicting something, like Earth’s surface on a map.
- Orientation: The alignment or direction something is facing, especially in relation to compass directions.
- Magnetic Needle: A needle in a compass that aligns itself with Earth’s magnetic field to show direction.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔) the correct option.
- Which one of the following is a representation of the earth drawn on a flat surface?
(a) map
(b) globe
(c) plan
(d) sketch
Answer – (a) map
- Which one of the following symbols represents a bridge?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Answer – (d)
- A compass is mainly used to—
(a) show the directions.
(b) calculate the distance.
(c) identify the details of a place.
(d) examine the height of a place.
Answer – (a) show the directions.
- Large scale maps are used for—
(a) small areas.
(c) areas of moderate extent.
(b) large areas.
(d) for showing specific themes.
Answer – (a) small areas.
- Which type of map represents relief features like mountains, plateaus, plains and deserts?
(a) a political map
(b) a thematic map
(c) a topographical map
(d) a physical map
Answer – (d) a physical map
B. Fill in the blanks.
- A ____________________ represents the three-dimensional view of the earth.
Answer – globe
- The technique or skill of making maps is called ____________________ .
Answer – cartography
- ____________________ is a drawing of a small area drawn from one’s observation and memory without directions.
Answer – Sketch
- A ________________________ is a device consisting of a magnetic needle, which always points towards north.
Answer – compass
- ____________________ area are shown by using white colour on maps.
Answer – Snow-covered
C. Read the statements given below and write an appropriate term for each.
- The most perfect approximation of the earth. __________________
Answer – Globe
- The device that helps the mariners to sail in the desired direction. __________________
Answer – Compass
- The experts of map-making. __________________
Answer – Cartographers
- Maps showing distribution of rainfall, population, etc. __________________
Answer – Thematic
- A collection of maps of the world, continents and selected countries in a bound form. __________________
Answer – Atlas
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- What are the limitations of a globe?
Answer – A globe is bulky, difficult to carry, and does not show detailed information like roads, towns, or villages.
- Mention the advantages of a map.
Answer – Maps are easy to carry, show both large and small areas, and can present detailed physical and political features.
- What is a thematic map?
Answer – A thematic map shows a specific topic such as population, rainfall, or natural resources of an area.
- Name the cardinal points along with intermediate directions.
Answer – The cardinal points are North, South, East, and West. The intermediate directions are North-East, North-West, South-East, and South-West.
- How do conventional symbols help in reading maps?
Answer – Conventional symbols help to identify features like rivers, roads, and forests easily, without knowing the language of the map.
E. Answer the following questions.
- Why is a globe considered a perfect representation of the earth? Give any three reasons.
Answer – A globe shows the correct shape of continents and oceans, accurate distances and directions, and demonstrates the earth’s tilt and rotation.
- What is a scale? Why is it an important component of a map?
Answer – A scale shows the ratio between map distance and real-world distance. It helps to calculate the actual distances between places on the map.
- Distinguish between a physical map and political map.
Answer – A physical map shows natural features like rivers and mountains, while a political map shows boundaries of countries, states, and cities.
- If you are lost in a jungle, how can a topographic map help you to come out of the jungle?
Answer – A topographic map shows detailed physical features like rivers, hills, and paths using contours, helping you navigate through the jungle.
- Describe the history of map-making.
Answer – Early maps were created in Mesopotamia on clay tablets. Ancient maps were made from memory and lacked scale. Ptolemy introduced scale and direction, and is known as the Father of map-making.
Value Based Question
Christopher Columbus was an Italian born navigator who sailed for Spain. He thought earth is round and on the other side of Europe, India is located. He was seeking a western sea route from Europe to Asia. On the morning of October 12, 1492 he stepped ashore on an island in America with the impression that he reached India. Although, Christopher was mistaken in his goal but he helped the world to know about America. He had shown magnificent seamanship and powerful leadership. He had shown courage and dedication in his long voyage over the unknown sea of darkness.
‘Christopher Columbus is known as a great voyager.’ How does his life inspire you?
Answer – Columbus’s journey teaches us the importance of courage, vision, and perseverance. Even though he didn’t reach India, he discovered a new continent. His belief in a round earth and his leadership inspire us to explore, take risks, and never give up.
Map Skill
- On a political map of India, label all the states with their capitals.
Answer – (This should be done using a printable political map. You can get a blank India political map and write state names with their capitals, e.g., Maharashtra – Mumbai, Tamil Nadu – Chennai, etc.)
- On an outline map of India, show the given geographical features by using appropriate colours.
(a) Arabian Sea
(b) Northern Plains
(c) Deccan Plateau
(d) The Himalayas
Answer – (a) Arabian Sea – West coast of India
(b) Northern Plains – Stretching across Punjab to Assam
(c) Deccan Plateau – Central and southern India
(d) The Himalayas – Northern boundary of India
Something To Do
- Get up early in the morning. Go to a nearby open space and locate the directions during sunrise.
Answer – Observe the sun rising in the East. Stand facing the sun – behind you is West, to your left is North, and to your right is South.
- Prepare a sketch of the route from your house to your school showing some landmarks on the way. Show every turning at 90 and mention the direction also.
Answer – (To be done individually by students based on their personal routes. Include major turns, buildings, parks, crossings, etc., and mark directions.)
Additional Questions And Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
- A __________ is a three-dimensional representation of the Earth.
Answer – globe - __________ is the science and art of map-making.
Answer – Cartography - A __________ can be folded and easily carried in a book or hand.
Answer – map - The __________ of the Earth is tilted and causes seasons.
Answer – axis - __________ colour is used to show plains and lowlands.
Answer – Green - A __________ map represents political boundaries.
Answer – Political - The compass needle always points towards the __________ direction.
Answer – North - __________ maps are used to show features like rainfall or population.
Answer – Thematic - __________ are used in maps to represent features like roads, rivers, and forests.
Answer – Symbols - The oldest known map was discovered in __________.
Answer – Mesopotamia
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which colour represents water bodies on a map?
(a) Green
(b) Blue
(c) Yellow
(d) Brown
Answer – (b) Blue - Who is known as the Father of map-making?
(a) Columbus
(b) Newton
(c) Ptolemy
(d) Galileo
Answer – (c) Ptolemy - What do thematic maps show?
(a) Only political boundaries
(b) Continents
(c) Specific data like rainfall or crops
(d) Forests and rivers
Answer – (c) Specific data like rainfall or crops - A large-scale map shows—
(a) Small area with details
(b) Large area with less detail
(c) Continents
(d) None of these
Answer – (a) Small area with details - Which one is a component of a map?
(a) Globe
(b) Scale
(c) Compass
(d) Sketch
Answer – (b) Scale
True/False Questions
- A globe shows all the small details like roads and villages.
Answer – False - A political map shows natural features like mountains and rivers.
Answer – False - Cartographers are people who make maps.
Answer – True - The compass was invented in Egypt.
Answer – False - A map is a two-dimensional representation of the Earth.
Answer – True
Short Questions with Answers
- What is a plan?
Answer – A plan is a detailed layout of a small area like a room or playground, drawn to scale. - Why are symbols important in a map?
Answer – Symbols help represent various features like roads, rivers, and forests in a simple and universal way. - What are conventional symbols?
Answer – Symbols that are commonly used and accepted worldwide to represent features on a map. - Define scale in a map.
Answer – Scale is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map. - What are the types of maps based on information?
Answer – Political, Physical, and Thematic maps.
Competency-Based (Reasoning & Assertion) Questions
- Assertion (A): A globe is better than a map to study day and night.
Reason (R): A globe shows the rotation of Earth and its tilted axis.
(a) A and R are true; R explains A
(b) A is true; R is false
(c) A is false; R is true
(d) A and R are true; R does not explain A
Answer – (a) - Assertion (A): Political maps are used for studying landforms.
Reason (R): Political maps show boundaries and countries.
Answer – (c) A is false; R is true - Assertion (A): The compass needle always points east.
Reason (R): It is due to magnetic pull of the sun.
Answer – (d) Both A and R are false - Assertion (A): Thematic maps are better for studying rainfall patterns.
Reason (R): They focus on one specific feature or theme.
Answer – (a) Both A and R are true; R explains A
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions
- Why can’t a globe be used for studying detailed features of a country like roads and cities?
Answer – Because a globe cannot show minute details due to its size and scale. Maps are more suitable for such purposes. - If you were to design a map for tourists, which type would you choose and why?
Answer – A thematic map focused on tourist attractions, transport routes, and accommodations would be most useful. - Why is using conventional symbols important for international travellers?
Answer – Because symbols are universal and help travellers read maps without knowing the local language.
Long Questions (40–50 Words)
- Explain how a globe helps us understand the Earth better.
Answer – A globe provides a realistic view of the Earth’s shape, shows continents and oceans in correct relation, and demonstrates rotation, axis tilt, and how day and night occur. It is ideal for understanding large-scale features. - Describe the key differences between small scale and large scale maps.
Answer – Small scale maps show large areas with fewer details (e.g., world maps), while large scale maps show small areas with more detail (e.g., town maps). Large scale maps are useful for planning and local understanding. - What are the four components of a map?
Answer – The main components of a map are: scale (distance representation), direction (cardinal and intermediate), symbols (features), and colour scheme (relief and features like water, plains, and mountains).
Additional Questions And Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- A __________ represents the three-dimensional view of the Earth.
Answer: Globe - The science of map-making is known as __________.
Answer: Cartography - The __________ is the ratio of distance on a map to the corresponding distance on the ground.
Answer: Scale - The __________ colour is used to represent water bodies on a map.
Answer: Blue - North, South, East, and West are called __________ points of the compass.
Answer: Cardinal - The earliest known map was made in __________ BC in Mesopotamia.
Answer: 2300 - __________ was known as the ‘Father of map-making’.
Answer: Ptolemy - Maps that show greater details of cities, villages, and mountains are called __________ scale maps.
Answer: Large - A __________ map emphasizes a particular theme, such as rainfall or population distribution.
Answer: Thematic - A __________ is a layout of a small area, like a building or playground, drawn on a large scale.
Answer: Plan - The __________ colour represents mountains on a map.
Answer: Brown - A __________ is a collection of maps of the world, continents, and selected countries.
Answer: Atlas - The word ‘map’ is derived from the Latin word __________ which means a ‘napkin’ or cover cloth.
Answer: Mappo - __________ symbols are used to represent features like rivers, roads, and forests on a map.
Answer: Conventional - The darker side of a compass needle points towards the __________ direction.
Answer: North
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- What is a globe primarily used to represent?
a) Flat view of a city
b) Three-dimensional view of the Earth
c) Political boundaries only
d) Two-dimensional view of a country
Answer: b) Three-dimensional view of the Earth - What is the main limitation of a globe?
a) It cannot show oceans
b) It is difficult to carry around
c) It lacks a scale
d) It cannot show directions
Answer: b) It is difficult to carry around - What is the science of map-making called?
a) Geography
b) Cartography
c) Astronomy
d) Geology
Answer: b) Cartography - Which colour is used to represent low lands and plains on a map?
a) Blue
b) Green
c) Brown
d) Yellow
Answer: b) Green - Who was the first cartographer to represent the Earth as a sphere?
a) Columbus
b) Ptolemy
c) Galileo
d) Copernicus
Answer: b) Ptolemy - What does a thematic map primarily focus on?
a) Political boundaries
b) Physical features
c) A specific theme like rainfall or population
d) Building layouts
Answer: c) A specific theme like rainfall or population - What is the primary function of a compass in map reading?
a) Measuring distances
b) Indicating directions
c) Showing elevation
d) Representing symbols
Answer: b) Indicating directions - Which type of map shows physical features like mountains and rivers?
a) Political map
b) Thematic map
c) Physical map
d) Plan
Answer: c) Physical map - What is the scale of a map with 1 cm = 100 km classified as?
a) Large scale
b) Small scale
c) Medium scale
d) No scale
Answer: b) Small scale - What is a plan used to represent?
a) The entire Earth
b) A small area like a building or playground
c) Political boundaries of a country
d) The Solar System
Answer: b) A small area like a building or playground
True/False Questions and Answers
- A globe shows the correct shape of oceans and continents.
Answer: True - A map is a three-dimensional representation of the Earth.
Answer: False (A map is a two-dimensional representation.) - The science of map-making is called cartography.
Answer: True - A compass needle always points towards the South.
Answer: False (It points towards the North.) - Large scale maps show greater details of small areas.
Answer: True - The earliest maps were drawn to a precise scale.
Answer: False (They were sketches, not drawn to scale.) - Blue colour on a map represents mountains.
Answer: False (Blue represents water bodies.) - A plan is similar to a map but represents a smaller area.
Answer: True - An atlas is a single map of the world.
Answer: False (An atlas is a collection of maps.) - Computer-generated maps are less accurate than older maps.
Answer: False (Computer-generated maps are more accurate.)
Short Questions and Answers
- What is a globe?
Answer: A globe is a three-dimensional representation of the Earth, showing the correct shape of oceans, continents, and their relations. - What is the main limitation of a globe?
Answer: A globe is difficult to carry and does not show detailed features like towns, roads, or railways. - What is cartography?
Answer: Cartography is the science of map-making. - Who is known as the ‘Father of map-making’?
Answer: Ptolemy - What is a map scale?
Answer: A map scale is the ratio of distance on a map to the corresponding distance on the ground. - Name the four cardinal directions.
Answer: North, South, East, and West - What are conventional symbols?
Answer: Conventional symbols are standardized symbols used on maps to represent features like rivers, roads, and forests. - What does the blue colour represent on a map?
Answer: Blue represents water bodies like oceans and seas. - What is the difference between a large scale and a small scale map?
Answer: Large scale maps show small areas with greater detail, while small scale maps show larger areas with less detail. - What is an atlas?
Answer: An atlas is a collection of maps of the world, continents, and countries, often including geographical data.
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion: A globe provides a better understanding of the Earth’s tilt.
Reason: A globe is a three-dimensional representation that shows the Earth’s axis and its relation to continents and oceans.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: Maps are more portable than globes.
Reason: Maps can be folded, rolled, or bound in a book, making them easier to carry.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason supports the assertion. - Assertion: Large scale maps show more details than small scale maps.
Reason: Large scale maps represent smaller areas with a higher ratio of map distance to ground distance.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: A compass is essential for finding directions on a map.
Reason: The compass needle points towards the North, helping to identify cardinal and intermediate directions.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason supports the assertion. - Assertion: Thematic maps focus on specific topics like rainfall or population.
Reason: Thematic maps emphasize a particular theme to enhance understanding of that topic.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Why is a globe considered more accurate than a map for representing the Earth’s shape?
Answer: A globe is a three-dimensional model that accurately shows the Earth’s spherical shape, the true proportions of continents and oceans, and the tilt of the Earth’s axis, while a map, being two-dimensional, distorts shapes and distances, especially at larger scales. - How does the use of conventional symbols make map reading universal?
Answer: Conventional symbols are standardized globally, allowing people to interpret maps without knowing the local language. Symbols for features like rivers, roads, or forests are consistent across countries, making map reading quick and universally accessible. - Why might a cartographer choose a thematic map over a political map for a specific study?
Answer: A cartographer may choose a thematic map to focus on a specific topic, like rainfall or population distribution, to provide detailed insights into that theme. Political maps only show boundaries, which may not convey the specialized information needed for the study. - How has computer technology improved the accuracy of modern maps?
Answer: Computer technology allows for precise data collection, digital rendering, and error correction in map-making. It produces sharper, more accurate maps with detailed features and consistent scales, surpassing the limitations of hand-drawn maps from earlier times. - Why is a plan more suitable than a map for designing a building?
Answer: A plan is drawn on a larger scale and shows detailed layouts of small areas, like rooms and open spaces in a building, with precise dimensions and directions. A map, designed for larger areas, lacks such specific, small-scale details.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)
- Explain the advantages of a globe over a map in representing the Earth.
Answer: A globe, being three-dimensional, accurately shows the Earth’s spherical shape, correct proportions of continents and oceans, and the tilt of the Earth’s axis. It helps understand day, night, and seasons, but it’s less portable and lacks detailed features like towns or roads. - Describe the role of a compass in map reading and its importance.
Answer: A compass indicates cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) by aligning its magnetic needle to the North. This helps locate positions and navigate accurately on a map, ensuring correct orientation, especially in unfamiliar terrains like fields or oceans, enhancing map usability. - Why are conventional symbols and colour schemes important in map-making?
Answer: Conventional symbols and colour schemes standardize map features globally, making them easy to read without language barriers. Symbols represent roads, rivers, or forests, while colours like blue for water or brown for mountains ensure quick identification of geographical features universally. - Differentiate between large scale and small scale maps with examples.
Answer: Large scale maps show small areas with detailed features, like topographic maps of cities (1 cm = 1 km). Small scale maps depict larger areas with less detail, like atlas maps of continents (1 cm = 100 km), focusing on broader geographical or political features. - How did Ptolemy contribute to the development of map-making?
Answer: Ptolemy, an Egyptian cartographer, was the first to represent the Earth as a sphere and create maps using scale and direction. Known as the ‘Father of map-making,’ his work laid the foundation for modern cartography, improving accuracy in depicting geographical features.