WBBSE Chapter 11 Maps Chapter Introduction
1. A map is a diagrammatic representation of the entire Earth’s surface or parts of it, showing the geographical distribution of physical or man-made features on a specific scale.
2. A physical map is an illustration of the physical features like mountains, rivers, forests, etc of the Earth.
3. A political map is the representation of administrative boundaries of countries, states, cities, districts, etc.
4. A map specifically drawn to represent a particular theme (such as weather, population, transport and communication), related to a specific geographic area is known as a thematic map.
5. A globe is a sphere-like small model of the Earth which also helps us to understand how the Earth spins on its axis. The location of any country, continent and waterbody can be very easily spotted on a globe.
6. An Atlas is a collection of maps in the form of a book. In the 16 century, geographer G. Mercator published the first book on maps and named it Atlas’ after the Greek God Atlas.
7. The art and science of map-making are known as Cartography.
8. A map that has two dimensions i.e. length and breadth and is also known as a two-dimensional map. For example, a world map on plain paper is a two-dimensional map.
9. A three-dimensional map has three dimensions i.e., length, breadth and height. It has volume also. For example, globe.
10. A scale of a map is the specific ratio, in which the actual part of the Earth is reduced and shown on a map.
11. Maps which depict a vast area of the world are known as small-scale maps. For example, Atlas, wall map, globe and some topographical maps.
12. Maps which are drawn to depict a small area are known as large scale maps. For example, mouza map, town map, etc.
13. The conventional signs and symbols used in a map are shown in a small box in any one corner of the map. This is known as the index or legend or key.
14. A plan is drawn to precisely depict a small area like a house, a room, etc. It is a type of large scale map.
15. All maps of the world use some standardised colours, signs, symbols and letters to denote universal meanings. These are called conventional signs and symbols.