Reading a Map

Maps and Globes

A map is a two dimensional representation of the world or a part of a geographical area of the Earth’s surface.

A person who creates maps is called a cartographer.

A collection of maps bound together in a book is called an atlas.

A key helps us to understand what the colours, symbols and signs used in a map stand for. It helps to identify easily the type of features shown in a particular area.

Directions

Types of maps

•Political •Physical•Topographic•Thematic

Political Map

Physical Map

Thematic Map

Topographic MapPhysical features on a topographic map are shown through contours.

A globe is an exact man made model

of the Earth. It gives an accurate

picture of the Earth’s surface as

it is a spherical representation of the Earth. It helps

us to see the continents and oceans on the

Earth.

Uses of a globe

Shows the relation of the continents and oceans

Shows the direction of one part of the world from another.

Emphasizes the physical unity of the world and shows how one part is related to the rest.

Helps us to understand the earth’s movement, day and night, the seasons, the latitude and the longitude.

Advantages of a globe

Globes Maps

A globe is a three dimensional man made model of the Earth.

A map is a two dimensional representation of the world or a part of a geographical area of the Earth’s surface.

It is spherical in shape. It is drawn on a flat surface

* We understand the movements of the earth-rotation and revolution -from a globe

We can make a detailed study of a particular area.

A globe shows continents and oceans and their position.

A map can show the details of a place or cross section with the help of colour, signs and symbols.