Physical map
Topic: Maps and Map Scale · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 1 "Introduction to Maps"
Meaning
A physical map shows natural features of the earth, not things made by people. Maps are grouped this way by their function, meaning what they show. Physical maps show relief (the height and shape of the land), drainage (rivers), rocks, soils, climate and vegetation. The main kinds are relief, geological, climatic and soil maps. They help us see how the land and nature shape where people live and work.
Example
NCERT uses a series of maps of Nagpur district in Maharashtra. Its maps of relief and slope, rocks and minerals, climate, and soils are all physical maps of the same district.
Don't confuse with
- Cultural map: shows human-made features such as boundaries, population, industries and roads.
- Political map: in daily speech, a "physical map" of India is often set against a "political map". The political map shows state boundaries, not landforms.