Exercise Solutions Available
Step-by-step answers for all textbook questions in this chapter
Maps: NCERT Exercise Solutions
Welcome to the complete NCERT exercise solutions for Class 6 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 — Maps. This page provides detailed, step-by-step answers to every question in the NCERT textbook, along with intext questions, MCQs, and exam preparation tips. All answers follow the NCERT pattern and are written in simple, student-friendly language.
How to Use This Page
1. Read the Key Concepts section first for a quick revision of the chapter. 2. Attempt the Intext Questions to check your understanding as you read. 3. Study the Chapter-End Exercise Questions for complete NCERT answers. 4. Practise the MCQs to prepare for objective-type exams. 5. Review Common Mistakes and the Exam Checklist before your test.
Key Concepts (Quick Recap)
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Map | A representation or a drawing of the Earth's surface or a part of it drawn on a flat surface according to a scale. |
| Physical Map | A map showing natural features of the Earth such as mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, and deserts. |
| Political Map | A map showing cities, countries, states, and their boundaries — human-created divisions. |
| Thematic Map | A map focusing on a specific theme or topic such as rainfall, roads, population, or soil types. |
| Scale | The ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map (e.g., 1 cm = 10 km). |
| Direction | The way to locate places relative to one another; usually shown by a compass rose indicating North, South, East, and West. |
| Compass | An instrument used to find the main directions (North, South, East, West) and intermediate directions (NE, NW, SE, SW). |
| Symbols | Letters, colours, shades, pictures, or lines used on a map to represent features like roads, railways, and rivers. |
| Conventional Signs | Standard symbols that are universally accepted and used on maps across the world to denote specific features. |
| Sketch | A rough drawing drawn without a scale, mainly used to show directions or routes to a particular place. |
| Plan | A drawing of a small area on a large scale, showing exact sizes and distances, such as the plan of a room or building. |
| Distance | The measurement of the space between two places; on a map, it is measured using the scale. |
| Globe | A true model (miniature form) of the Earth that shows continents, oceans, and other features in their correct shape, size, and location. |
Intext Questions
Intext Question 1 (Page 24)
Q: How is a map different from a globe?
A map is a flat representation of the Earth or a part of it, while a globe is a spherical model of the Earth. The key differences are:
- A globe shows the Earth in its true shape — it is a three-dimensional model. It accurately represents the shapes, sizes, and locations of continents and oceans. However, a globe is bulky and cannot show detailed information about a small area.
- A map is drawn on a flat surface (like paper). It can show the whole Earth or just a small part of it. Maps are portable, easy to carry, and can show a lot of detail about a particular area. However, maps distort the true shape and size of landmasses to some degree because the curved surface of the Earth is stretched onto a flat sheet.
Intext Question 2 (Page 25)
Q: Why do we need different types of maps?
We need different types of maps because a single map cannot show all the information we need. Different purposes require different maps:
- A physical map is needed when we want to study natural features like mountains, rivers, and deserts.
- A political map is needed when we want to know about countries, states, cities, and boundaries.
- A thematic map is needed when we want specific information such as road networks, rainfall distribution, population density, or soil types.
Each type of map serves a different purpose, and together they give us a complete picture of the Earth's surface.
Intext Question 3 (Page 26)
Q: How do we read a map?
To read a map properly, we need to understand three main components:
1. Distance (Scale): The scale tells us the relationship between the distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground. For example, if the scale is 1 cm = 10 km, then 5 cm on the map equals 50 km on the ground. 2. Direction: Maps usually have a compass rose or an arrow pointing towards the North. The four main directions are North (N), South (S), East (E), and West (W). There are also four intermediate directions: North-East (NE), South-East (SE), South-West (SW), and North-West (NW). 3. Symbols: Maps use symbols, colours, and labels to represent features. A legend or key on the map explains what each symbol means.
Intext Question 4 (Page 27)
Q: Why is scale important on a map?
Scale is important because:
- It helps us calculate the actual distance between two places on the ground by measuring the distance on the map.
- Without a scale, we cannot know the real distance between places shown on the map.
- The scale allows us to reduce the vast distances of the Earth to fit on a sheet of paper while maintaining correct proportions.
- Different maps use different scales depending on how much area they cover. A large-scale map shows a small area in great detail, while a small-scale map shows a large area with less detail.
Intext Question 5 (Page 28)
Q: Why are symbols used on maps?
Symbols are used on maps because:
- They make maps easy to read and understand. Instead of writing long names, a simple symbol conveys the information quickly.
- Maps have limited space, and symbols save space on the map.
- Symbols provide a universal language — conventional symbols are used across the world, so anyone can read a map regardless of their language.
- Different colours, shapes, and lines can represent different features, making the map visually clear and organised.
Chapter-End Exercise Questions
Q1: What are the three components of a map?
The three components of a map are:
1. Distance (Scale): Scale is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map. For example, if 1 cm on the map equals 10 km on the ground, the scale helps us understand the real distance. Scale can be expressed as a statement ("1 cm represents 10 km"), as a ratio ("1:10,00,000"), or as a line (graphic scale).
2. Direction: Direction helps us locate places in relation to one another. The four cardinal directions are North, South, East, and West. There are also four intermediate directions: North-East, South-East, South-West, and North-West. On most maps, the top of the map represents the North. A compass rose or a North arrow is used to indicate direction.
3. Symbol (Conventional Signs): Symbols are used to represent features like buildings, roads, rivers, and railways on a map. There is an international agreement on the use of these symbols, which are called conventional symbols. Colours are also used as symbols — blue for water, green for forests, yellow for plateaus, and brown for mountains.
Q2: Differentiate between a physical map and a political map.
| Feature | Physical Map | Political Map |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A map showing natural features of the Earth. | A map showing human-created boundaries and divisions. |
| Features Shown | Mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, deserts, oceans. | Countries, states, cities, towns, and their boundaries. |
| Colours Used | Brown for mountains, green for plains, blue for water bodies, yellow for plateaus. | Different colours for different countries or states to distinguish them from one another. |
| Purpose | To study the natural landscape and physical geography. | To study administrative divisions, locations of cities, and political boundaries. |
| Example | A map showing the Himalayas, the Ganga river, and the Thar Desert. | A map showing India's states, capital cities, and international borders. |
Q3: What do you mean by the term 'the scale of the map'?
The scale of a map is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map. It tells us how much the real distance has been reduced to fit on the map.
For example:
- If the scale is 1 cm = 100 km, it means 1 centimetre on the map represents 100 kilometres on the ground.
- If the scale is 1 cm = 10 km, it means 1 centimetre on the map represents 10 kilometres on the ground.
Scale can be expressed in three ways: 1. Statement scale: "1 cm represents 10 km" 2. Representative Fraction (RF): 1:10,00,000 (the ratio of map distance to ground distance) 3. Graphic scale (Linear scale): A line marked with distances that can be used to measure directly on the map.
A large-scale map shows a small area in great detail (e.g., a map of a village or a city). A small-scale map shows a large area with less detail (e.g., a world map or a map of a continent).
Q4: How are maps more helpful than a globe?
Maps are more helpful than a globe in several ways:
1. Portability: A map is drawn on a flat surface (like paper), so it is easy to carry and fold. A globe is a sphere and is bulky to carry. 2. Detail: A map can show a small area — like a city, a neighbourhood, or even a single building — in great detail. A globe can only show the entire Earth or large regions without detail. 3. Variety: Different types of maps (physical, political, thematic) can be made for different purposes. A globe generally shows only the basic features of the Earth. 4. Measurement: With the help of a scale on a map, we can measure exact distances between places. This is difficult on a globe. 5. Specific Information: Thematic maps can show specific data like rainfall, population, roads, or soil types. A globe cannot provide this kind of specific information. 6. Convenience: Maps can be easily printed in books and atlases, and they can be viewed on screens. A globe is a physical object that cannot be easily shared or reproduced.
Q5: Distinguish between a map and a plan.
| Feature | Map | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A representation of the Earth's surface or a part of it drawn on a flat surface according to a scale. | A drawing of a small area on a large scale, showing exact sizes and distances. |
| Scale | Small scale — covers large areas like countries, states, or continents. | Large scale — covers very small areas like a room, a building, or a playground. |
| Area Covered | Large areas (village, city, country, world). | Very small areas (a room, a house, a garden). |
| Detail | Less detail, general information. | Very detailed — shows exact dimensions, doors, windows, and furniture. |
| Example | Map of India, map of a district. | Plan of a classroom, plan of a house. |
Q6: Which map provides detailed information? (thematic maps)
Thematic maps provide detailed information about specific topics or themes. Unlike general-purpose maps, thematic maps focus on a particular subject. Examples include:
- Road maps — showing highways, roads, and transport routes.
- Rainfall maps — showing the distribution of rainfall in different regions.
- Population maps — showing the density of population in different areas.
- Soil maps — showing different types of soil in a region.
- Tourist maps — showing places of interest, hotels, and routes for tourists.
These maps are useful for specialists, planners, and researchers who need specific information for a particular purpose.
Q7: How do symbols help in reading maps?
Symbols help in reading maps in the following ways:
1. Save space: Instead of writing long names or descriptions, a small symbol can convey the same information. This saves space on the map and keeps it uncluttered. 2. Universal understanding: Conventional symbols are used across the world. Whether you are in India, the USA, or France, the same symbol for a railway line or a hospital is used. This makes maps universally readable. 3. Quick identification: A quick glance at a symbol tells you what feature is present — a blue line for a river, a black dotted line for a track, a red square for a post office. 4. Clarity and organisation: Colours, shapes, and patterns are used to differentiate between features. For example, blue represents water bodies, green represents forests, and brown represents mountains. 5. Language-independent: Symbols do not depend on any particular language. Even if you cannot read the language on the map, the symbols help you understand the features shown.
Q8: Fill in the blanks
1. A map is a representation of the Earth's surface or a part of it drawn on a flat surface according to a scale.
2. The three components of a map are distance (scale), direction, and symbols.
3. On a map, the top usually indicates the North direction.
4. A compass is an instrument used to find directions.
5. A scale is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map.
6. Maps showing natural features like mountains and rivers are called physical maps.
7. A sketch is a rough drawing without a scale.
8. Colours are also used as symbols — blue colour is used for showing water bodies.
Q9: True or False
1. A globe is a true model of the Earth. — True. A globe is a spherical model that represents the Earth in its true shape.
2. A map can show the entire Earth without any distortion. — False. When the curved surface of the Earth is drawn on a flat surface, some distortion in shape, size, or distance is unavoidable.
3. A sketch is drawn to scale. — False. A sketch is a rough drawing that is not drawn to scale.
4. Conventional symbols are used all over the world. — True. There is an international agreement on the use of conventional symbols on maps.
5. A large-scale map shows a small area in great detail. — True. A large-scale map covers a small area but provides more detail.
6. North is always at the top of a map. — True. By convention, the top of a map represents the North direction unless specified otherwise.
Q10: Match the Column
Match the items in Column A with the correct items in Column B:
| Column A | Column B | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| (i) Physical map | (a) Shows cities and boundaries | (ii) — Political map |
| (ii) Political map | (b) Shows mountains, rivers, and plains | (i) — Physical map |
| (iii) Thematic map | (c) Shows specific information like roads and rainfall | (iii) — Thematic map |
| (iv) Scale | (d) Ratio between map distance and ground distance | (iv) — Scale |
| (v) Compass | (e) Instrument to find directions | (v) — Compass |
| (vi) Conventional symbols | (f) Standard symbols used on all maps | (vi) — Conventional symbols |
MCQ Practice
Choose the correct option for each question.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing physical maps with political maps: Physical maps show natural features (mountains, rivers, deserts), while political maps show human-made boundaries (countries, states, cities). Do not mix them up.
2. Confusing sketch with plan: A sketch is a rough drawing without a scale, while a plan is a detailed drawing on a large scale showing exact measurements. Remember: sketch = rough/no scale, plan = detailed/with scale.
3. Forgetting that scale is one of the three components: Many students remember direction and symbols but forget that distance (scale) is also a key component of a map. The three components are: Distance, Direction, and Symbols.
4. Thinking a globe and a map are the same: A globe is a three-dimensional model of the Earth, while a map is a two-dimensional drawing on a flat surface. They serve different purposes.
5. Assuming all distortion is eliminated on maps: Maps always involve some distortion because the curved surface of the Earth cannot be perfectly represented on a flat surface. Do not say a map shows the Earth "without any distortion."
6. Confusing large-scale and small-scale maps: A large-scale map shows a small area in great detail (e.g., a city map). A small-scale map shows a large area with less detail (e.g., a world map). The terms refer to the fraction (scale ratio), not the physical size of the map.
Exam Checklist
Before your exam, make sure you can answer the following:
- [ ] Can you define a map and explain how it differs from a globe?
- [ ] Can you name and explain the three types of maps (physical, political, thematic) with examples?
- [ ] Can you list and explain the three components of a map (distance/scale, direction, symbols)?
- [ ] Can you define scale and explain how it is expressed (statement, RF, graphic)?
- [ ] Can you differentiate between a large-scale map and a small-scale map?
- [ ] Can you distinguish between a sketch and a plan?
- [ ] Can you explain why conventional symbols are used and give examples?
- [ ] Can you name the four cardinal and four intermediate directions?
- [ ] Can you identify the colours used on maps (blue = water, green = forests, brown = mountains, yellow = plateaus)?
- [ ] Can you explain why maps are more useful than globes for specific purposes?
Tip: Revise the Key Concepts table and the Exam Checklist the night before your exam. Focus on understanding the differences between physical, political, and thematic maps, and practise identifying the three components of a map — Distance, Direction, and Symbols.