/ CLASS 6 Geography Notes, NCERT Notes / By

Class 6 Geography Chapter 4: Maps Notes

This chapter explains the importance of maps, their types, and their components like scale, direction, and symbols. Maps are compared with globes and other tools like sketches and plans to understand their uses. Modern technology like GPS and GIS has revolutionized mapping, making it more accurate and user-friendly.



What is a Map?

  1. A map is a representation of the Earth’s surface or a part of it drawn on a flat surface.
  2. Maps provide detailed information about the physical and cultural features of an area.

Advantages of Maps:

  1. Easy to carry and handle.
  2. Can show detailed information about small or large areas.
  3. Useful for various purposes like navigation, planning, and education.

Types of Maps:

  1. Physical Maps: Show natural features like mountains, rivers, and plains.
  2. Political Maps: Show boundaries of countries, states, cities, and towns.
  3. Thematic Maps: Focus on specific information like population, climate, or industries.


Components of a Map

  1. Distance:
    1. Maps use scale to represent the real distance between places.
    2. A scale is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map.
      Example: 1 cm on the map = 100 km on the ground.
    3. Types of Scales:
      1. Small-scale maps: Show large areas with less detail (e.g., a world map).
      2. Large-scale maps: Show small areas with more detail (e.g., a city map).
  2. Direction:
    1. Maps are drawn with the north at the top.
    2. A compass is used to determine directions.
    3. Cardinal directions: North (N), South (S), East (E), West (W).
    4. Intermediate directions: Northeast (NE), Northwest (NW), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW).
  3. Symbols:
    1. Maps use symbols to represent features like roads, rivers, and forests.
    2. Symbols are explained in a legend or key.
      Example: Blue represents water bodies, green represents forests.


Types of Maps

  1. Physical Maps:
    1. Show natural features like mountains, rivers, lakes, and plains.
    2. Useful for understanding geographical features of an area.
  2. Political Maps:
    1. Show administrative boundaries like countries, states, and cities.
    2. Useful for political and administrative purposes.
  3. Thematic Maps:
    1. Focus on specific themes like population, climate, rainfall, or industries.
    2. Useful for research and analysis.


Globes vs Maps

Globe Map
A three-dimensional model of the Earth A two-dimensional representation of Earth
Bulky and difficult to carry Easy to carry and store
Shows limited details Can show detailed information
Provides a global view of the Earth Useful for studying specific areas


Sketches and Plans

  1. Sketches
    1. A rough drawing of an area based on memory and observation.
    2. Does not have a scale.
    3. Useful for giving directions or locating landmarks.
  2. Plans
    1. A detailed drawing of a small area.
    2. Drawn to scale.
    3. Useful for designing buildings, rooms, or layouts.


Use of Technology in Maps

  1. GPS (Global Positioning System):
    1. Helps find exact locations on Earth.
    2. Used in navigation and mapping.
  2. GIS (Geographical Information System):
    1. Used to store, analyze, and present geographic data.
    2. Widely used for urban planning and disaster management.


Important Terms to Remember

  1. Map: A flat representation of the Earth’s surface or a part of it.
  2. Scale: The ratio between the actual distance and the distance on the map.
  3. Symbols: Represent features on a map (e.g., blue for water).
  4. Legend/Key: Explains the meaning of symbols used on a map.
  5. Compass: A tool to determine directions on a map.
  6. Sketch: A rough drawing of an area without scale.
  7. Plan: A detailed drawing of a small area, drawn to scale.

Scroll to Top