Important Questions Test: Maps - UPSC MCQ

This is due to standard method of drawing directions on paper. On paper we draw North in front or upward South at back therefore East comes on your right side and West comes on your left side.

On maps, different colors and symbols are used to represent various geographical features. Bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes, are typically shown in blue. A thick blue line specifically represents a river, indicating a significant body of flowing water. In contrast, streams might be represented by thinner lines, dams by specific symbols, and electricity power stations are not generally represented by blue lines.

• Conventional Symbols are used in maps to represent features like buildings, roads, bridges, trees, and railway lines using standardized symbols, colors, and lines. They help convey information in a compact and easily understandable way.
• Option A is incorrect because conventional symbols do not show the actual size and shape of features but represent them in a simplified manner.
• Option C is incorrect as conventional symbols do not indicate language but rather map features.
• Option D is incorrect because maps do not display three-dimensional models but use symbols to represent features.

- A plan is a detailed drawing or diagram that represents a specific area or object.
- It is typically drawn on a large scale to provide accurate and detailed information.
- The purpose of a plan is to show the layout, dimensions, and features of a particular area or object.
- In this case, the plan refers to a small area, which means that the drawing is focused on a specific location or section.
- Drawing the small area on a large scale allows for more precise and detailed information to be included.
- The large scale ensures that even the smallest details are clearly visible and accurately represented.
- By drawing the small area on a large scale, it becomes easier to plan and execute tasks within that specific area.
- This can be particularly useful in various fields such as architecture, engineering, urban planning, and landscaping.
- Overall, a plan drawn on a very large scale provides a highly detailed representation of a small area, allowing for accurate analysis and decision-making.

The magnetic needle of the compass aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field and points towards the North-South direction. This is because the needle is magnetized and aligns with the Earth's magnetic poles.

Dark green usually represents low-lying land, with lighter shades of green used for higher elevations. In the next higher elevations, physical maps often use a palette of light brown to dark brown. Such maps commonly use reds, white, or purples to represent the highest elevations shown on the map.

Atlas maps are very small-scale maps. These maps represent fairly large areas and present highly generalised picture of the physical or cultural features. Even so, an atlas map serves as a graphic encyclopaedia of the geographical information about the world, continents, countries or regions.

Thematic Maps -  These focus on specific themes, such as forest types or biodiversity, often combining various data layers to provide detailed information.

Small scale refers to world maps or maps of large regions such as continents or large nations. In other words, they show large areas of land on a small space. They are called small scale because the representative fraction is relatively small.

• Physical Maps display natural features of the Earth like mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, and oceans.
• Political Maps focus on cities, towns, villages, and the boundaries between different countries and states.
• Thematic Maps are designed to show specific information such as rainfall distribution or road networks.
• Road Maps are a type of thematic map that specifically focuses on roads and highways.

A compass is used to find directions for navigation and orientation by indicating geographic north. It helps determine direction, take bearings, and align maps with terrain, making it essential for hikers, sailors, and outdoor enthusiasts.

• A sketch is a roughly drawn representation that is mainly based on memory and does not adhere to a precise scale.
• Option A: Scale, Map is incorrect because a sketch is not specifically related to a scale or map but to general, informal drawings.
• Option C: Plan, Map is incorrect because a plan usually involves detailed and accurate measurements, unlike a sketch.
• Option D: Plan, Scale is incorrect because a plan is a detailed and scaled drawing, unlike a sketch which is less precise and based on memory.

A globe is a spherical representation of the Earth. It accurately depicts the shape of the Earth, which is a geoid closely resembling a sphere. Other aspects like length, direction, and height are also represented on a globe, but the most distinctive and accurate feature is its shape, as it provides a three-dimensional perspective, unlike flat maps.

• Boundaries between different states are depicted on a political map.
• Option A: Plateau is incorrect because a plateau is a type of landform, not a type of map.
• Option B: Plains is incorrect because plains are flat landforms, not related to how boundaries are shown.
• Option C: Mountains is incorrect because mountains are landforms shown on maps, not a map type that depicts state boundaries.
• Option D: Political map is correct because political maps are designed to show boundaries, cities, and other political features.

Cardinal Directions and the Compass Rose. Cardinal Directions are the most commonly used forms of direction. and include North, South, East and West. The four equal divisions - Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest - are called Primary Intercardinal directions.