NCERT Book Class 6 Social Science (Geography) Chapter 4 Maps

N

4
S
MAPS

You have learnt in the previous chapter about the
advantages of a globe. However, globe has limitations
as well. 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, Let’s Do
districts, towns and villages, it is of little help. In such
Take an old
a situation we use maps. A map is a representation or rubber ball and
a drawing of the earth’s surface or a part of it drawn draw whatever
on a flat surface according to a scale. But it is you like all over it. You
impossible to flatten a round shape completely. may also mark north
We find that maps are useful to us for various pole and south pole on
purposes. One map shows a small area and a few facts. it. Now cut this ball
Another map may contain as many facts as a big book. with a knife and try to
When many maps are put together we get an Atlas. flatten it. Notice how the
Atlases are of various sizes, measurements drawn on drawings are distorted.
different scales. Maps provide more information than
a globe. They are of different types. Some of them are
described below.

PHYSICAL MAPS
Maps showing natural features of the earth such as
mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, oceans etc. are
called physical or relief maps.

POLITICAL MAPS
Maps showing cities, towns and villages, and different
countries and states of the world with their boundaries
are called political maps.

THEMATIC MAPS
Some maps focus on specific information; such as road