Class | Subject | Book | Chapter | Session | Questions covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XI | Geography | Practical Work in Geography I (NCERT) | 1 – Introduction to Maps | 2026-27 | 9 of 9 |
Chapter at a glance
Idea | Key point |
|---|---|
Map | A selective, simplified representation of the earth’s surface, on a plane, drawn to a scale |
Essential elements | Map scale, map projection, map generalisation, map design, map construction and production |
Types by scale | Large-scale maps (cadastral 1 : 500 to 1 : 4,000; topographical) and small-scale maps (wall maps, atlas maps) |
Types by function | Physical (relief, geology, soil, climate) and cultural (political, population, economic, transport) |
Measurements | Distance (scale), direction (cardinal points, bearings) and area (grid squares, polar planimeter) |
Exercise Questions
Question 1 (i)
Which one of the following is essential for the network of lines and polygons to be called a map?
(a) Map Legend (b) Symbols (c) North Direction (d) Map Scale
Answer
A network of lines and polygons becomes a map only if it is drawn to a scale, which shows how much the real distances are reduced. Without scale it is a sketch.
- Map Scale
Question 1 (ii)
A map bearing a scale of 1 : 4000 and larger is called:
(a) Cadastral map (b) Topographical map (c) Wall map (d) Atlas map
Answer
Cadastral (village or plot) maps are very large-scale maps drawn at scales of 1 : 500 to 1 : 4,000 to show land ownership and boundaries.
- Cadastral map
Question 1 (iii)
Which one of the following is NOT an essential element of maps?
(a) Map Projection (b) Map Generalisation (c) Map Design (d) History of Maps
Answer
Map scale, projection, generalisation, design, construction and production are the essential elements of a map. The history of maps is a subject of study, not a map element.
- History of Maps
Question 2 (i)
What is map generalisation?
Answer
Map generalisation is the selection and simplification of information from the real world to suit the scale and purpose of the map, so that the map is clear and not crowded. Details are dropped, combined or exaggerated; for example, small streams may be left out of a small-scale map and a winding road drawn smoothly.
It is the selection and simplification of details to fit the scale and purpose of the map.
Question 2 (ii)
Why is map design important?
Answer
Map design is the planning of the graphic (symbols, colours, lettering, layout, legend and title). It is important because a good design communicates the information clearly, makes the map easy to read and understand, and gives it an attractive appearance, so that the map-user can interpret the features correctly.
It makes the information clear, readable and easy to understand.
Question 2 (iii)
What are different types of small-scale maps?
Answer
Small-scale maps cover large areas and show less detail. They are of two types: wall maps (hung on walls for teaching and display) and atlas maps (bound in atlases and showing countries, continents or the world).
Wall maps and atlas maps.
Question 2 (iv)
List out two major types of large-scale maps?
Answer
- Cadastral maps (village or plot maps) showing property and land boundaries.
- Topographical maps showing relief, drainage, vegetation, settlements and communications in detail (e.g. the Survey of India sheets).
Cadastral maps and topographical maps.
Question 2 (v)
How is a map different from a sketch?
Answer
Map | Sketch |
|---|---|
Drawn to a scale and on a projection | Free-hand drawing, not to a scale |
Shows accurate distance, direction and location | Gives only a rough idea |
Uses standard symbols, legend and north direction | Symbols may be improvised |
Based on survey and measurement | Based on observation or memory |
A map is drawn to scale with proper symbols and direction; a sketch is a rough free-hand drawing.
Write an explanatory account of types of maps.
Answer
Answer
Maps are classified in two ways.
1. On the basis of scale
- Large-scale maps show small areas in great detail.
- Cadastral maps: scale 1 : 500 to 1 : 4,000; show plots, ownership and boundaries.
- Topographical maps: relief, drainage, land use and settlements in detail (e.g. 1 : 50,000, 1 : 25,000).
- Small-scale maps cover large areas with less detail.
- Wall maps: for display and teaching.
- Atlas maps: bound in an atlas, showing regions, countries and the world.
2. On the basis of function
- Physical maps: natural features such as relief (landforms), geological, soil, climate and vegetation maps.
- Cultural maps: human features such as political, population distribution, economic activity, transport and settlement maps.
Different maps are used for different purposes; for example, a cadastral map for taxation and a wall map for teaching.
Maps are classified by scale (large: cadastral, topographical; small: wall, atlas) and by function (physical and cultural).
Topic checklist
- ☒ Essential elements of maps (Q1)
- ☒ Generalisation, design and difference from a sketch (Q2 i, ii, v)
- ☒ Large-scale and small-scale maps (Q1 ii, Q2 iii, iv)
- ☒ Types of maps (Q3)