Class 6 Geography Chapter 4 Practice Question Answers - Maps

Q1: Name the map that represents various relief features.
Ans: Physical map.

Q2: Which map has more information, small-scale maps or large scale maps?
Ans: Large-scale map.

Q3: What is the use of a grid reference?
Ans: A grid reference helps to determine the exact location of a place.

Q4: Which colour is used to show Plateau on the map?
Ans: Yellow colour.

Q5: The plain areas of the world are represented by_______ colour.
Ans: Green.

Q6: An arrow shows______.
Ans: Direction.

Q7: Why political maps use more number of colours as compared to physical map?
Ans: Political maps, which show more human created features (especially boundaries), usually use more colours than physical maps, which represent the landscape often without regard for human modifications.

Q8: What is the easiest way to remember compass directions?
Ans: The earth rotates west to east, so the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. No matter which side one is facing, east is the morning sun and west is the evening sun or night time.

Q9: What are the various advantages of globes?
Ans:

• Globes give a good, visual indication of the earth's surface.
• The shape of the continents and their relative positions are correct.
• It gives a true representation; whatever position it is viewed from.
• The shape and size of the various continents is not distorted as compared to representing a spherical surface on a flat piece of paper.

Q10: Differentiate between physical map and political map.
Ans: A physical map is one that shows physical features of the earth like mountains rivers, vegetation, plateaus etc. while a political map shows the different countries and states of the world with their boundaries, cities and towns.

Q11: What is the difference between the magnetic North Pole and geographical North Pole?
Ans: 

• The North Pole (true north) is a geographic pole with a stationary location at 90-degrees north. This geographic North Pole is the fixed northernmost point on earth from which all points lie south.
• The Magnetic North Pole is not based on true north, but on the magnetosphere of the planet. The Magnetic North Pole lies hundreds of miles away from the true north, with its exact position constantly shifting.

Q12: Write short notes on a compass.
Ans: A compass is a very simple instrument used to find out the direction of a place. It has a magnetic needle, which rotates freely in a horizontal place and is balanced on a fine point. The magnetic needle always points toward north-south direction.

Q13: What do you mean by the Thematic maps?
Ans: Some maps may focus on specific information of the regions, for example rainfall maps, road maps, tourist map and topographical maps. Such maps represent a particular topic or theme and are called thematic maps.

Q14: How are maps more helpful than a globe?
Ans: 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, such as about our country, states, districts, etc. it is of little help. In such a situation maps are used. Thus, maps are useful to us for various purposes. They provide more information than a globe.

Q15: What do you understand by the scale of the map?
Ans: The scale is the relation between distance on the map and the corresponding distance on the ground, e.g. if the distance on the map and grounds of same two points is 1 cm and 1km receptively, the scale of the map will be 1cm to 1km. Scale is very important in any map. If you know the scale, you will be able to calculate the distance between any two places on a map.

Q16: Explain the advantages of using maps?
Ans:

• Maps can show more details
• Many maps when put together make an atlas and show various continents, countries and can provide information about any particular aspect.
• Maps can be drawn in small scale as well as in large scale.
• Maps can be folded or rolled and are easily portable.

Q17: What are the basic characteristics of a good map?
Ans: Maps are the basic tools of geography that enable us to depict spatial phenomenon on paper.
A good map will have:

• Legend: A good map will have a legend or key which shows the user what different symbols mean. For instance, a square with a flag on top usually represents a school and roads are represented by a variety of widths and combinations of lines.
• Direction: Without a north arrow, it is difficult to determine the orientation of a map. With a north arrow, a user can determine direction.
• Title: A map's title provides important clues about the cartographer's intentions and goals.

Q18: What do the following colours represents on the map?
Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Brown and Black
Ans:

• Blue: lakes, rivers, streams, oceans, reservoirs, etc.
• Red: major highways, roads, urban areas, airports, special interest sites, military sites, place names, buildings, borders.
• Yellow: built-up or urban areas.
• Green: parks, golf courses, forest, orchards, highways.
• Brown: deserts, historical sites, national parks, military reservations or bases, contour (elevation) lines.
• Black: railroads, highways, bridges, place names, buildings, borders.

Q19: Mention some of the disadvantages of magnetic compass?
Ans: The compass is very stable in areas close to the equator, which is far from "Magnetic North”. At some point close to the Magnetic Pole, the compass will not indicate any particular direction but will begin to drift in a non direction indicating manner. Also, the needle starts to point up or down when getting closer to the poles, due to the so-called magnetic inclination. Cheap compasses with bad bearings may get stuck due to this; therefore, indicate a wrong direction.

Q20: Mention different types of maps with examples.
Ans: There are three types of maps. These are:

• Physical maps show natural features of the earth such as mountains, plains, plateaus, rivers, etc.
• Political maps show cities, towns villages, different countries and states of the world with their boundaries.
• Thematic maps lay emphasis on specific information; such as road maps, rainfall maps, maps showing distribution of forests, population, etc.