Social Science [2 Mark Questions]

Political maps, which show more human created features (especially boundaries), usually use more colours than physical maps, which represent the landscape often without regard for human modifications.

Some maps may focus on specific information of the regions, for example rainfall maps, road maps, tourist map and topographical maps. Such maps represent a particular topic or theme and are called thematic maps.

A classification of maps can also be made according to their functions or the features on them.
They are:

1. Political maps,
2. Physical maps,
3. Thematic maps.

Globe is of little help when we want to study only a part of the Earth, about our country, states; districts, towns and villages.
Globe is not easy to handle.

When a small area like a village or town is to be shown on the paper, then we use a large scale map that is 5cm on the map shows 500 metres only on the ground. It is called a large scale map.

We often draw rough drawings to locate or show places where we need to go. These rough drawings are called sketches and they do not have any scale. For instance, ask a friend to visit your house and he does not know where you live. You can tell him how to reach your place by walking down certain specific roads or you may draw a sketch to help him. Direction and distances are shown in sketches but no scale is used.

A compass is a very simple instrument used to find out the direction of a place. It has a magnetic needle, which rotates freely in a horizontal place and is balanced on a fine point. The magnetic needle always points toward north- south direction.

1. When large areas like continents or countries are to be shown on papers, then we use a small scale. For example, 5cm on map shows 500km on ground. It is called small scale maps.
2. When a small area like village or town is to be shown on paper then we use a large scale, i.e., 5cms on the map shows 500 mts only on the ground. It is called large scale maps.

A Small scale Map	A Large Scale Map
It shown a large area such as that of a continent or country So many minute details cannot be shown as there is space on the map.	It shows a very small area in detail. It shows layout maps of cities and villages. When the scale of the map is large, it can area shown in the map.

S.NO.	Map	PLAN
1.	In the map, details are given in the form of symbols words, lines and colours.	Plan is drawn to large scale and shows true direction.
2.	It shows a large area of ground on a small scale or large scale, i.e. maps reduce the entire world on its parts to fit on a sheet of paper. Maps are precise.	It shows detailed layout of spaces, length and breadth in a building etc. Its scale can be enlarged.

Thematic Map	Political Map
They show specific types of features such as roads, air routes railways climatic elements areas and industries.	Political maps show countries and their political units ( states, districts etc.) with boundaries.

Physical Map	Political map
A physical map is one that shows physical features of the earth like mountains rivers, vegetation, plateaus etc.	Political map shows the different countries and states of the world with their boundaries, cities and towns.