Class 6 Geography Chapter 4 Important Question Answers - Maps

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Define a map.
Ans: A map is a drawing or representation of the Earth's surface or a part of it, created on a flat surface according to a scale.

Q2: What is the purpose of an atlas?
Ans: An atlas is a collection of maps. It provides a wide range of geographic information and helps users explore and understand various regions and features of the Earth.

Q3: Name three types of maps.
Ans: Physical maps, political maps, and thematic maps.

Q4: What do physical maps primarily show?
Ans: Physical maps primarily show natural features of the Earth, such as mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, and oceans.

Q5: Which type of map displays cities, countries, and their boundaries?
Ans: Political maps display cities, countries, and their boundaries.

Q6: What is the purpose of thematic maps?
Ans: Thematic maps focus on specific information related to a particular theme, such as rainfall maps, road maps, or tourist maps.

Q7: How is distance measured on a map?
Ans: Distance on a map is measured using a scale, which represents the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map.

Q8: What are the four cardinal directions?
Ans: The four cardinal directions are North, South, East, and West.

Q9: What instrument can be used to find the main directions?
Ans: A compass can be used to find the main directions. Its magnetic needle points towards the north-south direction.

Q10: What is the purpose of symbols on a map?
Ans: Symbols on a map are used to represent features such as buildings, roads, and rivers, making it possible to convey a lot of information in a limited space.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q11: Explain the difference between a small-scale map and a large-scale map.
Ans: A small-scale map covers a large area, such as continents or countries, with less detailed information. The scale ratio is smaller, e.g., 1 cm representing a larger distance. In contrast, a large-scale map focuses on a smaller area, like a town or village, with more detail. The scale ratio is larger, e.g., 1 cm representing a shorter distance.

Q12: How is direction determined using a compass?
Ans: A compass determines direction by aligning its magnetic needle with the Earth's magnetic field. The needle always points towards the north-south direction, allowing users to find North, South, East, and West.

Q13: Why are conventional symbols used on maps?
Ans: Conventional symbols are used on maps to represent features like buildings, roads, and water bodies. These symbols provide a universal language that can be understood by people from different regions and cultures.

Q14: What is the purpose of a sketch map?
Ans: A sketch map is used to provide a rough, non-scaled drawing of an area based on memory or spot observation. It helps to locate specific places concerning other nearby locations.

Q15: When would you use a plan instead of a map?
Ans: A plan is used when you need to provide a detailed and scaled drawing of a small area, such as the layout of a room or a building. It allows for accurate measurement of distances and dimensions.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q16: Discuss the significance of maps in our daily lives and provide examples of their various uses.
Ans: Maps play a crucial role in our daily lives. They are used for general reference, navigation, understanding geographic features, planning routes, analyzing data, and much more. For example, road maps help travelers find directions, physical maps show mountain ranges and rivers, and thematic maps display rainfall patterns.

Q17: Explain how the scale of a map is used to calculate distances between places.
Ans: The scale of a map represents the ratio between the distance shown on the map and the actual distance on the ground. By knowing the scale, you can calculate distances. For instance, if 1 cm on the map represents 5 km, measuring 4 cm on the map would correspond to a distance of 20 km in reality.

Q18: Describe the cardinal and intermediate directions, and explain their significance in navigation.
Ans: The four cardinal directions are North, South, East, and West. The four intermediate directions are North-East (NE), South-East (SE), South-West (SW), and North-West (NW). These directions are essential for navigation, as they help people determine orientation and find their way to specific locations.

Q19: Discuss the role of symbols on maps and how they convey information efficiently.
Ans: Symbols on maps represent physical features, objects, or data in a concise manner. They enable maps to convey a wealth of information without overwhelming the viewer. For example, a blue color symbolizes water bodies, while a drawing of a house indicates buildings. This makes map reading more accessible and efficient.

Q20: Differentiate between a map and a plan, and provide examples of situations where each is more suitable.
Ans: A map is a scaled representation of a geographic area, while a plan is a scaled drawing of a specific area, often without geographic context. Maps are suitable for showing overall landscapes, countries, or regions, while plans are used for detailed layouts of specific places, like architectural floor plans or city block layouts. For example, a city map is useful for tourists, while a floor plan is used by architects to design buildings.