Map
Topic: Maps and Map Scale · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 1 "Locating Places on the Earth"; Class 11, Ch 1 "Introduction to Maps"
Meaning
A map is a drawing of the whole earth or part of it on a flat surface, at a reduced scale. It is selective: it shows only some features. It is symbolised: it uses signs and colours in place of real things. It is generalised: it simplifies details. A map turns the three-dimensional earth into a two-dimensional picture. Every map has three parts: distance (shown through scale), direction and symbols.
Example
A Survey of India map of Delhi at a fixed scale shows roads, the Yamuna river and built-up areas with standard symbols. It also has a north arrow, so you can measure real distances and find directions on it.
Don't confuse with
- Sketch map: a sketch is drawn freehand without a true scale or true direction. NCERT says a network of lines and shapes without a scale is only a sketch, not a map.
- Atlas: an atlas is a book of maps, not a single map.