Political map
Also called: Administrative map · Topic: Maps and Map Scale · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 1 "Introduction to Maps"
Meaning
A political map shows how an area is divided for government and administration. It draws the boundaries of countries, states and districts and marks their capitals. It is a kind of cultural map because these boundaries are made by people, not by nature. It helps in planning and running each unit. A country's political map also states its official claim to its territory.
Example
On 2 November 2019, the Survey of India issued a new political map of India after Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised. It showed the new Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and placed Gilgit-Baltistan and Aksai Chin in Ladakh.
Don't confuse with
- Physical map: shows natural features such as mountains and rivers. Rivers can form boundaries, but a physical map does not show administrative divisions.