NCERT Class 11 Geography Introduction to Maps

ESSENTIALS OF MAP MAKING

In view of the variety of maps, we may find it difficult to summarise what they all have in common. Cartography, being an art and science of map-making, does include a series of processes that are common to all the maps. These processes that may also be referred to as essentials of maps are :

1 Scale

2 Map Projection

3 Map Generalisation

4 Map Design

5 Map Construction and Production

Scale: We know that all maps are reductions. The first decision that a map-maker has to take is about the scale of the map. The choice of scale is of utmost importance. The scale of a map sets limits of information contents and the degree of reality with which it can be delineated on the map. For example, figure 1.3 provides a comparison between maps having different scales and the improvements made thereupon with the change in scale.

Projection: We also know that maps are a simplified representationof the three-dimensional surface of the earth on a plane sheet of paper. The transformation of all-side-curved-geoidal surface into a plane surface is another important aspect of the cartographic process. We should know that such a radical transformation introduces some unavoidable changes in directions, distances, areas and shapes from the way they appear on a geoid. A system of transformation of the spherical surface to the plane surface is called a map projection. Hence, the choice, utilisation and construction of projections is of prime importance in map-making.

EXERCISE

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:

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

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

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

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words:

What is map generalisation ?

Why is map design important ?

What are different types of small-scale maps ?

List out two major types of large-scale maps ?

How is a map different from a sketch ?

3. Write an explanatory account of types of maps.

Please refer to attached file for NCERT Class 11 Geography Introduction to Maps