Essential Features of Map Question and Answer| ICSE Class 6

Introduction: Essential Features of a Map

Maps are useful tools that help us understand the world around us. They show the location of places, landforms, roads, rivers, and many other things. But to read a map properly, we need to know its important features. These features include the title, scale, direction, symbols, colour, and the legend. Each part plays a special role in helping us understand what the map is showing. Learning about these features makes reading and using maps much easier and more fun!

A: Choose the Correct Option

1. The North Line in a map shows → (c) the north direction
   
2. The RF (Representative Fraction) for a scale of 2 cm = 100 km is → (b) 1:5,000,000
   
3. Trees are shown on the map by → (b) a green dot
   
4. Lines of latitude are → (d) all of these
   

B: Fill in the Blanks

1. The ratio between the map distance and ground distance is called scale.
   
2. RF stands for Representative Fraction.
   
3. North, South, East, and West are called cardinal directions.
   
4. The straight distance is also called air distance.
   
5. A network of latitudes and longitudes is called a grid.
   

C: State Whether These Statements Are Right or Wrong

1. Intermediate directions are midway between cardinal directions. ✅ (Correct)
   
2. Linear scale shows primary divisions only. ❌ (Wrong) → Linear scale shows both primary and secondary divisions.
   
3. There are two ways of finding straight distance on a map. ✅ (Correct)
   
4. Meridians of longitude run parallel to each other. ❌ (Wrong) → Meridians of longitude converge at the poles and are not parallel.
   

Answer these questions in 10–20 words

1. What are the essential features of maps?
   Maps include a title, scale, directions, symbols, and a legend to explain symbols.
2. What would a map titled “India: Political” show?
   It shows state and country boundaries, capitals, and important cities of India.
3. Name the cardinal and the intermediate directions.
   Cardinal: North, South, East, West.
   Intermediate: North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West.
4. What do you mean by the scale of a map?
   It shows the ratio between distance on the map and actual ground distance.
5. What are conventional symbols?
   They are standard signs used on maps to show features like roads, rivers, and buildings.
6. What scale of map—small or large—would you use to show the following places?
   (a) India: Small scale
   (b) Your hometown: Large scale
   (c) Your neighbourhood: Large scale
   (d) Your friend’s neighbourhood: Large scale
   (e) The world: Small scale

Look at the essay on Storybook Characters I would like to meet

Also, look for the Study Guide of Ozymandias

Answer these questions in 50–60 words

1. Distinguish between small-scale maps and large-scale maps.
   Small-scale maps show large areas like countries with fewer details. Large-scale maps show small areas like towns or cities with more details. For example, a world map is small-scale, while a city map is large-scale. Large-scale maps are useful for planning, while small-scale maps give a bigger view.
2. How are conventional symbols useful?
   Conventional symbols make reading maps easier. They save space and are understood internationally. For example, a triangle may show a mountain, or a line may show a road. These symbols help people understand physical and man-made features without using too many words.
3. How are parallels of latitude different from meridians of longitude?
   Parallels of latitude run east-west and are parallel to each other. Meridians of longitude run north-south and meet at the poles. Latitudes show how far north or south a place is, while longitudes help measure east-west distances.

F. Answer these questions in 75–100 words

1. Explain the different types of scales that are commonly used in maps.
   There are three common types of map scales:

• Verbal Scale: Uses words, like “1 cm = 1 km.”
• Linear Scale: A straight line marked in units to measure distances.
• Representative Fraction (RF): A ratio like 1:100,000 means 1 unit on the map equals 100,000 units in real life.
  Each type helps measure distance and is used according to the map’s purpose and detail needed.

2. How is the distance between two places measured from a map?
   To measure distance on a map, use a ruler or string to measure between the two places. Then use the map’s scale to convert that measurement into real-world distance. For example, if 1 cm on the map equals 5 km in real life, then 3 cm would equal 15 km. This helps us understand actual distances.

G. Give reasons for the following

1. Every map should have a title.
   A title tells what the map is about, like political, physical, or climate map, making it easier to understand.
2. Places are reduced from their actual size when they are shown on a map.
   Maps are smaller than the real world, so places must be shown in reduced sizes using a scale.
3. Every map has a legend.
   A legend explains the meaning of all the symbols and colours used on the map, helping us read it easily.
4. We can locate any place on a map with the help of latitudes and longitudes.
   Latitudes and longitudes form a grid that helps find the exact position of any place on Earth.