Question

NCERT Solutions Class 11, Geography, Practical Work in Geography, Chapter-1, Introduction to Maps

For success in board and competitive exams, it’s crucial to achieve a deep understanding of Class 11 Geography, and NCERT Solutions are a valuable tool. Developed by experts, these resources emphasize significant themes in each chapter while adhering to the CBSE curriculum, providing essential assistance in your academic journey.

In these NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Geography, we have discussed all types of NCERT intext questions and exercise questions.

Concepts covered in Class 11 Geography, Practical Work in Geography, Chapter-1 Introduction to Maps, are-

• Essentials of Map Making
• History of Map Making
• Types of Maps Based on Scale
• Types of Maps Based on Function
• Uses of Maps

Our NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Geography offer detailed explanations to assist you with homework and assignments. By mastering the concepts in each chapter through these solutions, you'll be well-prepared to achieve top marks in your exams. Start your journey to academic success today!

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Answer 1

NCERT Solutions Class 11, Geography, Practical Work in Geography, Chapter-1, Introduction to Maps

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:

(i) Which one of the following is essential for the network of lines and polygons to be called a map?

(a) Map Legend

(b) Symbols

(c) North Direction

(d) Map Scale

Solution:

(d) Map Scale

(ii) A map bearing a scale of 1: 4000 and larger is called:

(a) Cadastral map

(b) Topographical map

(c) Wall map

(d) Atlas map

Solution:

(a) Cadastral Map

(iii) Which one of the following is NOT an essential element of maps?

(a) Map Projection

(b) Map Generalisation

(c) Map Design

(d) History of Maps

Solution:

(d) History of Maps

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words:

(i) What is map generalisation?

Solution:

It is the responsibility of a cartographer to generalise the contents of a map because map are created at a reduced scale to fulfil a specific function. To achieve this, a cartographer must choose the information pertinent to the chosen theme and simplify it as necessary. It is known as generalisation of a map. Every map is created with a specific goal in mind. To illustrate broad facts, such as relief, drainage, vegetation, settlements, modes of transportation, etc., a general-purpose map could be created. Similarly, a special purpose map displays data related to one or more chosen topics, such as population density, soil types, or the location of enterprises. It is, therefore, necessary to carefully plan the map contents while the purpose of the map must be kept in the forefront.

(ii) Why is map design important?

Solution:

The planning of map graphic components, such as the selection of acceptable symbols, their size and form, style of typography, specification of line width, choice of colours and shades, organisation of various map design elements inside a map, and design for map legend, is crucial. The map design is therefore, a complex aspect of map making and requires thorough understanding of the principles that govern the effectiveness of graphic communication.

(iii) What are different types of small-scale maps?

Solution:

Small-scale maps are divided into two types:

(a) Wall Map: These maps are often created  on huge sheets of paper or a plastic base, for use in lecture halls and classrooms. Wall maps often have a scale that is bigger than atlas maps but smaller than topographical maps.

(b) Atlas Maps: These map are very smallscale maps and represent fairly large areas to 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.

(iv) List out two major types of large-scale maps?

Solution:

Large-scale maps are divided into two types:

(a) Cadastral maps: The word “cadastral,” which means “record of territorial property,” this word drived from the French word “cadastre.” By defining the boundaries of individual fields on agricultural land and the layout of individual house in urban areas, these maps are created to illustrate who owns what land. The government
entities create the cadastral maps in order to realise revenue and taxed and to maintain ownership records.

(b) Topographical Maps: Additionally, these maps are created on a large scale. The topographical maps are created in the form of a series of maps by the national mapping agencies of almost all countries of the world and are based on detailed surveys. These maps display topographic information such as relief, drainage, agricultural land, forest, settlements, means of communication, location of schools, post offices, and other services and facilities using standardised colours and symbols.

(v) How is a map different from a sketch?

A simplified map drawn freehand which lacks to preserve the true scale orientation. Map shows a plane surface of earth at a reduced scale. In simple words, map has a specific scale and sketch does not have a scale. Map in drawn scientifically and sketch is drawn roughly. Sketch drawing is an art while map making is a science and science of map is called cartography.

3. Write an explanatory account of types of maps.

Solution:

Types of maps based on scale: 

On the basis of scale, maps may be classified into large-scale and small-scale.

(a) Large-scale Maps: Large scale maps are drawn to show small areas at a relatively large-scale with great detail. Large-scale maps are further divided into the following types:

(i) Cadastral maps: These maps are drawn to show the ownership of landed property by demarcating field boundaries of agricultural land and the plan of individual houses in urban areas. The cadastral maps are prepared by the government agencies to realise revenue and taxes, along with keeping a record of ownership.

(ii) Topographical maps: These maps are also prepared on a fairly large scale. The topographical maps are based on precise surveys and are prepared in the form
of series of maps made by the national mapping agencies of almost all countries of the world.

(b) Small-scale Maps: These maps represent large area on a small sheets of paper. Smallscale maps are divided into the following types:

(i) Wall Maps: These maps are generally drawn on large size paper or on plastic base for use in classrooms or lecture halls.

(ii) Atlas Maps: These maps represent fairly large areas and present highly generalised picture of the physical or cultural features.

Types of maps based on function:

The maps may also be classified on the basis of their functions.

(a) Physical Maps: These map show natural features such as relief, geology, soils, drainage, elements of weather, climate and vegetation, etc.

(i) Relief Maps: These maps show general topography of an area like mountains and valleys, plains, plateaus and drainage.

(ii) Geological Maps: These maps are drawn to show geological structures, rock types, etc.

(iii) Climatic Maps: These maps depict climatic regions of an area.

(iv) Soil Maps: Maps are also drawn to show the distribution of different types of soil(s) and their properties.

(b) Cultural Maps: These maps show manmade features. These include a variety of maps showing population distribution and growth, sex and age, social and religious composition, literacy, levels of educational attainment, occupational structure, location of settlements, facilities and services, transportation lines and production, distribution and flow of different commodities.

(i) Political Maps: Show the administrative divisions of an area such as country, state or district.

(ii) Population Maps: Are drawn to show the distribution, density and growth of population, age and sex composition, distribution of religious, linguistic and
social groups, occupational structure of the population, etc.

(iii) Economic Maps: Depict production and distribution of different types of crops and minerals, location of industries and markets, routes for trade and flow of commodities.

(iv) Transportation Maps: Show roads, railway lines and the location of railway stations and airports.

Answer 2

More Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is not a type of physical map?

(а) Relief Map
(b) Geological Maps
(c) Climate Maps
(d) Transportation Maps

Solution:

(d) transportation Maps

2. Which of the following is not a type of cultural maps?

(а) Political Maps
(b) Population Maps
(c) Soil Maps
(d) Economic Maps

Solution:

(c) Soil Maps

3. What is shown under geological maps?

(a) Temperature and rain
(b) Plateaus, plains and mountains
(c) Geological structure, types of rocks
(d) Types of Soils

Solution:

(c) Geological structure, types of rocks

4. Which of the following is not an essential for map making?

(a) Scale
(b) Map Design
(c) Sketch
(d) Map Generalization

Solution:

(c) Sketch

5. A system of transformation of the spherical surface to the plane surface is called:

(a) Map projection
(b) Geoid
(c) Map Designing
(d) Sketch

Solution:

(a) Map Projection

6. An oblate spheroid whose shape resembles the actual shape of the Earth is called:

(a) Map projection
(b) Geoid
(c) Map Designing
(d) Sketch

Solution:

(b) Geoid

7. Which of the following is not relief map?

(a) Mountain
(b) Plateau
(c) Soil
(d) Plains

Solution:

(c) Soil

8. When was Survey of India established?

(a) 1767
(b) 1772
(c) 1785
(d) 1905

Solution:

(a) 1767

9. When was first map was made by India by Survey of India?

(a) 1767
(b)1772
(c) 1785
(d) 1905

Solution:

(c) 1785

10. What is not shown under climate maps?

(a) Temperature
(b) Direction of winds
(c) Rain
(d) Ecological System

Solution:

(d) Ecological System

11. In how many continents have Indian ancient scholars divided the world?

(a) Seven
(b) Five
(c) none
(d) Eleven

Solution:

(a) Seven

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is a map?

Solution:

A map is a simplified depiction of whole or part of the earth on a piece of paper. In other words, it is a two-dimensional form of the three-dimensional earth.

2. How is scale expressed on a map?

Solution:

Scale is expressed in three ways on a map:

1. By a statement
2. By graphical or bar scale
3. By representative fraction method

3. Differentiate between globe and map.

Solution:

S.No.	Globe	Map
1.	Globe is such a model of the earth which gives us the right form of the earth.	A map is a simplified depiction of whole or part of the earth on a piece of paper.
2.	It is more accurate but it is difficult to use it.	It is relatively less accurate but it is easy to be handled.
3.	It is three dimensional.	It is two dimensional.

4. What are the essentials of map making?

Solution:

There are five essentials of map making. These are: Scale, map projection, map generalisation, map design and map construction and production.

5. What is the importance of maps for geographers?

Solution:

Maps are extremely important for a geographer. Without maps, a geographer is like armless soldier. Maps provide him extremely important information.

6. What are two components of a map?

Solution:

Distance and direction are two components of maps.

7. What are important directions?

Solution:

Important directions are North (N), South (S), East (E) and West (W).

8. What are the important relationships that we search in maps?

Solution:

We search the following physical relationships in a map:

• Shapes of land forms, oceans and political units;
• their areas;
• distances between the places;
• direction of each place in context of other places;
• location of different places in context of entire earth.

9. What are the basic limitations of maps?

Solution:

Map is two dimensional. It is impossible to present the accurate shape of the earth with the help of map. Moreover, it can’t be accurate in terms of area, volume and distance. Above all, we cannot show the entire earth on a map without disturbing its shape.

10. When was oldest map drawn?

Solution:

The oldest map was found in Mesopotamia drawn on a clay tablet that belongs to 2,500 B.C.

Answer 3

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Why are maps considered an important tool for geography?

Solution:

Geographers need maps for following purposes:

• To get information about resources, their development and planning for their utilization;
• To study changes that are taking place on the earth;
• To understand various physical factors;
• To understand the inter-relationship between physical and human resources;
• To make a comparative analysis and
• To present facts in a way that has a memorizing effect.

2. How is area of map measured using a planimeter?

Solution:

The area calculation is also carried out using Polar Planimeter. In this instrument, a measure is made of the movement of a rod whose locus is constrained by having one end fixed to a radial arc. The area to be measured is traced along its perimeter in a clockwise direction with an index mark, starting from one convenient point to which the index of the tracing arm must exactly return. Reading on the dial, before and after the tracing of area’s perimeter, will give a value in instrumental units. These readings are multiplied by the same constant for the particular instrument to convert into areas in square inches or centimetres.

3. How is direction of map measured?

Solution:

Direction is defined as an imaginary straight line on the map showing the angular position to a common base direction. The line pointing to the north is zero direction or the base direction line. A map always shows the north direction. All other directions are determined in to this relation. The north direction enables the map- user to locate different features with respect to each other. The four commonly known directions are North, South, East and West. These are also called the cardinal points. In between the cardinal points, one may have several intermediate directions.

4. How is distance between maps measured by geographer, planner and other resource researcher?

Solution:

The linear features shown on the maps fall into two broad categories, i. e. straight lines and erratic or zigzag lines. The measurement of straight line features like roads, railway lines and canals is simple. It can be taken directly with a pair of dividers or a scale placed on the map surface. However, distances are required, more often, along erratic paths, i.e. the coastlines, rivers and streams. The distances along all such features can be measured by placing a thread at the starting point and carrying it along the line up to the end point. The thread is then stretched and measured to determine the distance. It can also be measured by using a simple instrument called Rotameter. The wheel of the ‘rotameter’ is moved along the route to measure the distance.

5. Explain in detail about physical maps.

Solution:

Physical maps: Physical maps show- natural features such as relief, geology, soils, drainage, elements of weather, climate and vegetation, etc. These are of following types:

1. Relief Maps: Relief maps show general topography of an area like mountains and valleys, plains, plateaus and drainage.
2. Geological maps: Geological Maps are drawn to show geological structures, rock types, etc.
3. Climatic Maps: Climatic Maps depict climatic regions of an area. Besides, maps are also drawn to show the distribution of temperature.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Explain the essentials of map making.

Solution:

There are five essentials of map making. These are: Scale, map projection, map generalisation, map design and map construction and production.

1) Scale: All maps are reductions. The first decision that a map-maker has to take is about the scale of the map. The choice of scale is of utmost importance. The scale of a map sets limits of information contents and the degree of reality with which it can be delineated on the map.

2) Projection: Maps are a simplified representation of the three-dimensional surface of the earth on a plane sheet of paper. The transformation of all-side- curved-geoidal surface into a plane surface is another important aspect of the cartographic process. Such a radical transformation introduces some unavoidable changes in directions, distances, areas and shapes from the way they appear on a geoid. A system of transformation of the spherical surface to the plane surface is called a map projection. Hence, the choice, utilisation and construction of projections is of prime importance in map-making.

3) Generalisation: Every map is drawn with a definite objective. For example, a general purpose map is drawn to show information of a general nature such as relief, drainage, vegetation, settlements, means of transportation, etc. Similarly, a special purpose map exhibits information pertaining to one or more selected themes like population density, soil types or location of industries. It is, therefore, necessary to carefully plan the map contents while the purpose of the map must be kept in the forefront.

4) Map Design: It involves the planning of graphic characteristics of maps including the selection of appropriate symbols, their size and form, style of lettering, specifying the width of lines, selection of colours and shades, arrangement of various elements of map design within a map and design for map legend.

5) Map Construction and Production: The drawing of maps and their reproduction is the fifth major task in the cartographic process. It can be manual or computerised method.

2. How does a geographer measure the distance?

Solution:

The measurement of area of features like that of administrative and geographic units is also carried out over the surface of the map by map-users. There are different methods in which areas can be determined.

1) By means of regular pattern of squares: In this method, the area to be measured is covered by squares by
placing a sheet of graph paper beneath the map on an illuminated tracing table or by tracing the area onto the square sheet. The total number of ‘whole squares’ are summed up, together with ‘partial squares’. The area is then determined by a simple equation:

Area = Sum of whole square + \(\left(\frac{\text{Sum of partial sqaures}}2\right)\) x Map Scale 

2) By using Polar Planimeter: In this instrument, a measure is made of the movement of a rod whose locus is constrained by having one end fixed to a radial arc. The area to be measured is traced along its perimeter in a clockwise direction with an index mark, starting from one convenient point to which the index of the tracing arm must exactly return. Reading on the dial, before and after the tracing of area’s perimeter, will give a value in instrumental units. These readings are multiplied by the same constant for the particular instrument to convert into areas in square inches or centimetres.

3. Explain in detail about cultural maps.

Solution:

Cultural Maps: Cultural maps show man-made features. These include a variety of maps showing population distribution and growth, sex and age, social and religious composition, literacy, levels of educational attainment, occupational structure, location of settlements, facilities and services, transportation lines and production, distribution and flow of different commodities.

• Political Maps: These maps show the administrative divisions of an area such as country, state or district. These maps facilitate the administrative machinery in planning and management of the concerned administrative unit.
• Population Maps: The population maps are drawn to show the distribution, density and growth of population, age and sex composition, distribution of religious, linguistic and social groups, occupational structure of the population, etc.
• Economic Maps: Economic maps depict production and distribution of different types of crops and minerals, location of industries and markets, routes for trade and flow of commodities.
• Transportation Maps: These maps show roads, railway lines and the location of railway stations and airports.

Answer 4

Viva Questions

1. Why is Ratometer used?

Solution:

Ratometer is an instrument used to measure distance on a map.

2. Why is Planimeter used?

Solution:

Planimeter is an instrument used to measure area on a map.

3. Where was oldest map found?

Solution:

The oldest map was found in Mesopotamia drawn on a clay tablet that belongs to 2,500 B.C.

4. Which maps are generally drawn on large size paper or on plastic base for use in classrooms or lecture halls?

Solution:

Wall maps are generally drawn on large size paper or on plastic base for use in classrooms or lecture halls.

5. Give formula for measuring distance used by geographers.

Solution:

Area = Sum of whole square + \(\left(\frac{\text{Sum of partial sqaures}}2\right)\) x Map Scale

6. What do we call a system of transformation of the spherical surface to the plane surface?

Solution:

Map Projection.

7. What do we call an oblate spheroid whose shape resembles the actual shape of the Earth?

Solution:

Geoid.

8. When was Survey of India established?

Solution:

1767

9. When was first map made by Survey of India?

Solution:

1785

10. In how many continents have Indian ancient scholars divided the world?

Solution:

Seven