Test: Interpretation of the Topographical Maps - Class 10 MCQ

A map is always drawn to scale, which makes it accurate.

It shows natural features (hills, rivers) and man-made features (roads, canals).

Unlike a globe, it can focus on a small portion in great detail.

Essentials of a map include Title, Scale, Direction, Grid System, Conventional Signs, Key/Legend.

“Colouring for beauty” is not required—it may help clarity, but it is not essential.

The key/legend decodes the symbols.

Example: ⊥ may mean a post office, + may mean a dispensary.

Without the legend, symbols would look confusing.

Topo maps are large scale maps.

They show hills, valleys, rivers (natural) and roads, railways, settlements (man-made).

Hence, they are very useful for detailed study of a small area.

Large scale maps cover a small area in detail.

Topo maps belong here because they show minute features like wells, contour lines, post offices, etc.

Small scale maps (e.g., atlases) show large areas with less detail.

NGR is an imaginary grid drawn in red on survey maps.

It helps in pinpointing specific features like a police station, post office, or river confluence.

It makes referencing more accurate than just describing in words.

A siphon is a structure that lets a canal cross beneath a river or drainage line.

It is represented by a special symbol in topo sheets.

Very important in drainage and irrigation interpretation.

Four-figure reference locates a feature to a square of 1 km².

Six-figure reference pinpoints it to a specific point (100 m precision).

Hence, six-figure is always more accurate.

According to the solved examples in notes, 5930 marks the confluence.

Confluence = meeting point of two rivers.

Such grid references help in precise identification during map work exams.

A dispensary is a human-made service centre.

It falls under administrative and service features on topo maps.

Such features are vital as they indicate population settlements and available facilities.