NCERT Class VI – Social Science – Maps
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, as about our country, states, districts, towns and villages, it is of little help.
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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.
Atlases are of various sizes, measurements drawn on different scales.
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When many maps are put together we get an Atlas.
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Atlases are of various sizes, measurements drawn on different scales.
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Different types of Map
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PHYSICAL MAPS
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Maps showing natural features of the earth such as mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, oceans.
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POLITICAL MAPS
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Maps showing cities, towns and villages, and different countries and states of the world with their boundaries.
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THEMATIC MAPS
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Some maps focus on specific information; such as road maps, rainfall maps, maps showing distribution of forests, industries etc.
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Components of Maps
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Distance
Direction
Symbol
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DISTANCE
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Scale is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map.
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If you know the scale, you will be able to calculate the distance between any two places on a map.
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When large areas like continents or countries are to be shown on a paper, then we use a small scale. It is called a small scale map.
For e.g. : 5 cm. ~ 500 km
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When a small area like your village or town is to be shown on paper, then we use a large scale. It is called a large scale map.
For e.g. : 5 cm ~ 500 metres
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Large scale maps give more information than small scale maps.
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DIRECTION
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An arrow marked with the letter ‘N’ at the upper right hand corner on most maps shows the north direction. It is called the north line.
We can find out other directions, for e.g. east, west and south.
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Cardinal points
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Four major directions, North, South, East and West
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Major Intermediate directions
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north-east (NE), south-east(SE), south-west (SW) and north-west (NW).
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COMPASS
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It is an instrument used to find out main directions.
Its magnetic needle always points towards north-south direction.
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SYMBOLS
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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.
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They are shown byusing certain letters, shades, colours, pictures and lines.
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With the use of symbols, maps can be drawn easily and are simple to read.
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Maps have a universal language that can be understood by all.
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There is an international agreement regarding the use of these symbols. These are called conventional symbols.
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Generally blue is used for showing waterbodies, brown for mountain, yellow for plateau and green is used for plains.
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SKETCH
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A sketch is a drawing mainly based on memory and spot observation and not to scale.
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For e.g. If you are explaining way leading to your house to your dear friend.
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PLAN
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A plan is a drawing of a small area on a large scale.
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for e.g. : The length and breadth of a room, which can’t be shown in a map.
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Where the hell is story of map? Just headline & advertisements.
@sparkle007 We were in the process of updating our blog & hence you were not able to read the contents. Everything is back again.. Happy Reading & how’s ur preparation going on ? Is this your first attempt.