CBSE Class 6 Geography Chapter 4 Notes - Maps

What is The Difference Between a Map and an Atlas?

There is a very significant detail that distinguishes the maps and the atlases. Here we are going to talk about that now.

A map can be defined as a proper representation of the surface of the earth or just a part of it. The map can be in the form of a drawing which is done on an even and flat surface. The map is drawn keeping in mind the scale of the representation.

However, the Atlas is a collection of maps that are put together in order to form a collective group. When it comes to Atlases, there are many different sizes. Another one of the important things to keep in mind about the Atlases is that the measurements which are drawn in the maps are done on many different types of scales.

Different Types of Maps

For the students to know more about the maps, it is important to know that there are many different types of maps. Here in the Class 6 Geography Chapter 4 notes, we are going to tell you more about the different types of Maps.

Physical Maps

The Physical maps can be defined as the maps which are drawn to show the different natural features which are present on the surface of the earth. These natural features include the mountains, rivers, plains, oceans, plateaus, and so on. These maps are also known as relief maps.

Political Maps

Political Maps are the ones which are drawn in order to show the different villages, towns, and cities in the area. Also, there are different states and countries of the world which are shown in the political maps.

Political Maps

Political Maps are the ones which are drawn in order to show the different villages, towns, and cities in the area. Also, there are different states and countries of the world which are shown in the political maps.

Thematic Maps

When it comes to the Thematic Maps, it can be said that these are the maps which are meant to put primary focus on some specific details and information. Some of the examples of the Thematic maps are the rainfall maps, the forest maps, the maps which exhibit the roads and industries.

The Different Components of Maps

It is important for the students to know the three different components which are required to draw a proper and correct map of any area. These components are known as Direction, Distance, and Symbol. Here we are going to explain all the different components so that one can have an idea.

Direction

We have 4 major directions known as East, West, North, and South. These are the cardinal points. Some of the other directions are the intermediate ones and are named as North East, South East, North West, And South West. In order to find out the particular direction of any place, people will need a compass. The compass is basically an instrument which can be used to find out the direction. The magnetic needle in the compass is always static towards the north and the south direction.

Distance

The distance is the scale and it is defined as the ratio between the distance which is shown on the map and the actual distance which is in the ground. The scale is one of the most important parts of drawing the map. If you don’t know the scale of the map, you will not really be able to calculate the distance which is between any two locations which are presented on the map. When the map contains larger areas such as countries and continents, then it is done with the help of a smaller scale and hence it is known as a small scale map. However, when the map has an area such as any village, then there is a use of the larger scale and hence it is known as the large scale map.

Symbols

These are also very important to draw the map. You will not be able to draw the map with its actual size and shape when it comes to different features including the roads and the buildings. So, these features can be easily presented using different symbols such as shades, letters, lines, colours, and pictures. With the help of symbols, people will be able to gather more information about the map.

1. What are the 4 Major Directions and What are the Minor Directions?

The 4 major directions are North, South, East and West. The minor directions are North-East, South-East, North-West, and South-West.

2. What are the Examples of Thematic Maps?

Several road maps, forest maps, rainfall maps and much more are the examples of thematic maps.

3. What are the Three Major Components of Map Creation?

The three major components of map creation are Direction, symbol, distance.

4. What is a sketch?

A sketch presents a representation derived merely from the mere. It is not as exact as it would be with the help of a scale. This is a rough representation to help the onlooker reach a certain place. For instance, if someone wants to visit their friend’s home but is unaware of the directions, they might access the rough draft of the direction that might be given to them by their friend. This will help them locate landmarks and reach their destination with ease.

5. What are the different types of Maps?

The different types of maps are:

Physical Maps - A map that presents the natural features of the earth is known as a physical map. For instance the demonstration of mountains, plateaus, oceans, rivers etc.

Political Maps - A map that presents the readers with the representation of cities, towns, villages, and different countries with their boundaries is termed as a political map.

Thematic Maps - Certain maps such as road maps and rainfall maps focus on specific descriptions and information. These maps are termed thematic maps.

6. Explain direction as an important component of the maps?

As we all know that maps are designed as the exact representation of the places that it demonstrates, and even the distance between these places is carefully measured so that when seen in the real situation, it presents the true distance. To achieve this on a small-sized paper, a Scale is used, which is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map. Therefore, the scales play a very important role in figuring out the distance between any two places on a map.

7. What are cardinal points and intermediate directions?

Cardinal points refers to the four major directions known to us, that is, north, south, east and west. But apart from these four known directions, there also are four intermediate directions and they help in the locating of any particular place with much more accuracy which are North-east (NE), South-east (SE), South-west (SW) and North-west (NW).