NCERT 6th Class (CBSE) Social Science: Maps and Map Reading

Question: Explain large and small scale maps.

Answer: Large scale map: Large scale maps show a very small are an great details. The layout maps of villages and the guide maps of cities are large scale map.

Small scale map: Small scale map shows a very large area in less detail. Maps in atlas or wall maps in classroom are some examples of small scale map.

Question: Why are conventional signs important?

Answer: The symbols used in maps for indicating different features are called conventional signs. There is an international understanding for using these signs and symbols. In the absence of these symbol it would be difficult to show features on a map as one would have to write the names of each and every feature.

Question: Write different types of maps.

Answer: The main types of maps are:

1. Political maps: These maps show boundaries of countries, states, capitals, major towns, etc.
2. Physical or relief maps: These maps show landforms like mountains, plains, rivers, coastline features, etc.
3. Thematic maps: These maps provide specific information like distribution of rainfall and temperature, crops, minerals, etc.,

Question: Distinguish between the following – Globes and map.

Answer: Globes:

1. A small man-made modal of the earth is called a glob.
2. It is difficult to carry a glob.
3. The space on the globe is limited and details cannot be shown on it.

Map:

1. A map is representation of the earth as a whole or part of it, drawn to a scale on a flat surface.
2. It is easy to carry a map.
3. Although less accurate than a glob, a map is more useful. It is easy to carry a map.

Question: What are the various components of a map?

Answer: There are three main components of maps. They are distance, direction and conventional signs or symbols. The direction of a place with respect to the north and the distance between any two place are essential features of a map.

Question: Why do we need maps?

Answer: Maps are useful or earning and understanding the various features present on the surface of the earth. Different types of maps are used different people according to their need.

Question: How can the pole star help in finding directions?

Answer: The pole star is located vertically above the North Pole. Thus by spotting the pole star in the night sky. We can find the north direction and subsequently the other directions.