NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Geography Chapter 4: Maps

We use globes to study the earth as a whole. This chapter teaches us how to study particular regions of the earth using maps. We would read about the different types of maps. We would also read about scales used in these maps. The chapter also teaches us about directions and how to study them on a map. We would also read about conventional symbols in a map. The chapter ends by giving us a brief introduction about sketches and plans of cities, towns, villages etc. The salient point to remember from the chapter include

• A map is a drawing of the earth's surface. There are different types of maps – physical maps, political maps and thematic maps.
• Maps use scales which tell us the difference of ration between actual distance and distance shown on the map. For example, a 5 cm scale on a map may be showing 500 km in the real world.
• Maps can be small scale or large scale.
• We learn about directions as every map has an arrow pointing north.
• We can determine other directions by looking at the north arrow.
• We also learn about the compass and to use it to find directions.
• Maps also use symbols to show roads, highways, railway lines etc. These are called conventional symbols.
• A sketch is a drawing usually not based on a scale. It draws out a rough estimation of a particular area.
• A plan is a scaled drawing of a small area on a large scale—for example, the plan of a room or a house.