Page 320 - New Medley 5 Semester 1

The ratio between the map distance and the ground distance is called the

scale of the map. Suppose the map distance between Delhi and Jhansi is
4 cm and the ground distance between them is 400 km, then the scale is

4 cm : 400 km or 1 cm : 100 km.

4. Signs and Symbols: The signs and

symbols help us read and understand
the information given on the map. We

can show physical or cultural features
on a map with the help of signs and

symbols. We can show features such
as temples, mosques, churches, forts,

rivers, bridges, lakes, etc., with the
help of signs and symbols. Most of

these symbols are used by all countries.
Thus, these signs and symbols are

called the conventional symbols. Conventional signs and symbols
Besides these components, colours also help us understand the map.

A variety of colours are used to show information on the map. For
example, waterbodies are shown in blue and the lowlands are shown

in green. A legend or index is given on every map, which explains
the meanings of the colours used on the map.

Knowledge Zone

? ? Babylonian Imago Mundi (6th century BC) is the oldest known world map. The
map shows Babylon on the Euphrates, surrounded by a circular landmass.
? ? Survey of India is the national survey and mapping organization of India. It
was set up in 1767. It is the country’s principal mapping agency.

• Critical thinking
Answer these questions.
1. Which is the largest country in the world?

2. What is the shape of the Earth?
3. Write a quality of a good map.
4. What does the title of a map tell us?

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