GSEB Class 6 Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Maps

Answer the following questions:

Question 1. What is a map ? OR What is called a map ?
Answer: A tiny scale depiction of the entire or a portion of the earth on a flat plane is commonly referred to as a 'map'.
In simple words: A map is a flat picture showing all or part of the Earth, but made much smaller.

Exam Tip: Remember to include both "small scale representation" and "flat surface" in your definition for a complete answer.

Question 2. List the main components of a map. OR What are the main components of a map ? Which are they?
Answer: There are three major parts that make up a map:
1. direction
2. Scale and
3. Conventional signs.
In simple words: Maps have three main parts: showing direction, the scale it uses, and common symbols.

Exam Tip: Always list all three components when asked about the main elements of a map to earn full credit.

Question 3. Name three types of maps that you have seen.
Answer: I have observed three distinct kinds of maps:
1. Political Map
2. Physical Map and
3. Weather Map.
In simple words: I have seen political maps, physical maps, and weather maps.

Exam Tip: When listing examples, try to recall common map types encountered in daily life or studies.

Question 4. What is the difference between a Physical map and a Political map?
Answer: On physical maps, various landforms such as hills, plateaus, plains, rivers, arid regions, and coastal areas are depicted using various hues. Their labels are also included. However, on political maps, the borders between countries, states within a country, and their districts are displayed. The names of capitals and other city districts, nations, and other countries are also presented on political maps.
In simple words: Physical maps display natural landforms like mountains and rivers with different colors. Political maps show country, state, and district boundaries, along with capital cities.

Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between natural features (physical maps) and human-made divisions (political maps) in your explanation.

Question 5. Which geographical features and natural resources are shown in the distribution maps ?
Answer: Yearly temperature, yearly precipitation, air pressure, breezes, farming products, minerals, and natural plant life (forests) are all illustrated on distribution maps.
In simple words: Distribution maps show things like yearly temperature, rainfall, winds, crops, minerals, and forests.

Exam Tip: Focus on items that show geographical spread or quantity when describing distribution maps.

Question 6. What do you mean by ‘Conventional Signs' ? How are they used?
Answer: The marks or icons, such as various alphabets, tints, shades, visuals, and lines, are utilized to represent natural and human-made scenery on a map. These well-known and universally recognized marks are termed 'conventional signs'. They form a globally accepted way of speaking in maps. With their assistance, maps can be effortlessly created, comprehended, and interpreted. Conventional signs convey more details in a smaller area.
In simple words: Conventional signs are standard symbols like letters, colors, and lines used on maps to show natural and man-made features. They are understood everywhere and help make maps easier to draw and read, giving lots of information in a small space.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that conventional signs are universally understood symbols that simplify map creation and interpretation by conveying much information efficiently.

2. Match the Column 'A' with the Column 'B':

Answer: 1-5, 2-4, 3-3, 4-2, 5-1

Exam Tip: For matching questions, carefully read both columns and identify keywords to correctly link the pairs. Double-check each match to avoid errors.

3. Prepare the map of a room in your notebook with the help of matchsticks on the scale given below:
(1) Length : 20 feet
(2) Width : 10 feet
(3) Scale : 1 foot = 2 matchsticks
[Note: The map of the room as shown to the right is drawn on 5 feet = 1 matchstick scale.]
Answer: The map of the room, drawn according to the provided scale and dimensions, is shown below. This visual representation helps to understand the layout and proportions of the space.

In simple words: Here is a drawing of the room. It shows the length and width using a specific scale where one foot equals two matchsticks.

Exam Tip: When drawing maps to scale, always clearly label the dimensions and the scale used. Ensure all features are proportional to the chosen scale.

Question 1. Write down the information which is common in all the maps. OR Write about the maps in general.
Answer: Some universal details found on maps include:
1. North direction
2. Scale
3. Conventional signs and
4. Layer Tint method.
In simple words: All maps generally show the north direction, a scale, standard symbols, and sometimes use color layers.

Exam Tip: List the fundamental elements that help interpret any map, ensuring to include key concepts like scale and conventional signs.

Question 2. How are maps prepared ?
Answer: Maps are produced by utilizing guidance, dimensioning, customary symbols, and diverse hues.
In simple words: Maps are made using directions, scale, standard symbols, and different colors.

Exam Tip: Mention the four key elements (direction, scale, conventional signs, colours) that are essential in map-making.

Question 3. How can we draw a very large area on a small paper?
Answer: We can draw a huge area on a small piece of paper by using a scale.
In simple words: You can draw a big area on small paper by using a scale.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the role of 'scale' as the crucial tool for representing large areas on smaller surfaces.

Activities

Question 1. Show the conventional signs for the following in your notebook: Mountain. River, Metalled road, Post office. State border (Boundary). State capital, District headquarter, The North direction in a map.
Answer: The conventional signs for the given features are illustrated in the table below, as they would appear on a map.

Exam Tip: Memorize the common conventional signs as they are fundamental for interpreting any map. Practicing drawing them helps in recall.

Question 2. Draw the map of your village or town in your notebook.
Answer: This is an activity designed for students to complete in their notebooks. Each student should draw a map of their own village or town, showing important features and landmarks as they perceive them. This helps in understanding local geography and map-making principles.
In simple words: Students need to draw a map of their own village or town in their notebooks as an activity.

Exam Tip: For such activity-based questions, ensure you include relevant landmarks, use appropriate symbols, and indicate a scale to make your map clear and accurate.

Question 1. In the table below, arrange the villages / cities nearer to your village/city serially, show their distances and ^lso draw a map of the route. (This table is an example only. Every student can prepare his individual table and answer the questions.)
Answer: The following diagram illustrates a conceptual map of distances between places, with a corresponding table for arranging villages/cities and their respective distances from Chanasma. This serves as an example for students to complete individually, applying the given scale (1 cm = 5 km).
(Visual representation showing distances between Chanasma, Pimpal, Shelavi, Dhinoj, Panchot, Mahesana, with Chanasma as the central point.)

Exam Tip: When presenting data in a table, ensure clear headings and accurate measurements. For route maps, always include a compass rose and a legend.

Question 2. Prepare a list of the maps seen in your school or a library. Note down the items shown in the map :
Answer: Here is a collection of maps often found in schools or libraries, along with the details they typically display:

Exam Tip: When listing maps, differentiate between their types and accurately describe the distinct geographical or political features they highlight.

Question 3. From the items which you saw in the maps in the school or a library, Having gathered enough information, classify the maps given below.
Answer: Based on the collected details, the provided maps can be categorized as follows: a visual representation of the Political Map of Gujarat and a Physical Map of India. These examples showcase how different types of geographic information are presented.
(Visual representations of a Political Map of Gujarat and a Physical Map of India.)
In simple words: The maps below are classified based on the information they show, presenting a political map of Gujarat and a physical map of India.

Exam Tip: Always categorize maps based on the primary information they convey, whether it's political boundaries, physical features, or specific thematic data.

Question 4. Take a compass from your school and find out what is seen in the north. Using the directions, find out in which directions are the school gate, post office, dispensary, library, river, pond bridge, etc. located. In the following table, write which things are located in which direction:
Answer: This is a practical activity for students to perform. Using a compass, determine the cardinal directions and then identify the location of various landmarks relative to a central point (e.g., the school). The table below can be filled based on your local observations.

Exam Tip: Accuracy in using a compass and careful observation of surroundings are key for this activity. Ensure your directions are consistent with the North you've identified.

Question 5. You might have seen ✝, ⚐, ☗, ॐ, ♓, ℗ such signs somewhere. There are other such signs surrounding us also. Show them here.
Answer: Many different types of symbols are commonly seen around us, including religious symbols, directional indicators, and other conventional signs. Some common examples are: ✝ (Cross), ⚐ (Flag), ☗ (Castle), ॐ (Om), ♓ (Pisces), ℗ (Phonogram Copyright). These symbols carry specific meanings and are used in various contexts to convey information quickly.
In simple words: Various symbols like the cross, flag, castle, Om, Pisces, and copyright are seen all around us, each having its own meaning.

Exam Tip: When asked to show or list symbols, try to provide a diverse range, including those from everyday life, maps, and cultural contexts, illustrating their role in communication.

Question 6. Find out the following conventional signs in your school maps with help of your Social Science teacher.
Answer: The various conventional signs that can be found in school maps, as identified with the help of a Social Science teacher, are presented in the following table. These symbols help to understand different features represented on maps.

Exam Tip: Be precise in identifying and drawing each conventional sign. Understanding these symbols is crucial for effective map reading and interpretation.

Question 7. "Come, let us draw a map". Students, measure the length and the width of your classroom with the help of a scale. Now, prepare a list of the things which cannot be shifted and decide their symbols also. Then decide a scale and the directions to draw them into a map on the paper.
Answer: This activity requires students to physically measure their classroom, identify immovable objects, assign them symbols, and then draw a scaled map incorporating directions. For example, if the classroom is 20 feet long and 15 feet wide, and a scale of 1 foot = 2 matchsticks is chosen, students would represent these dimensions and fixed items like doors, windows, and main furniture using their chosen symbols and directions. The final output would be a detailed classroom map.

In simple words: This activity asks you to measure your classroom, list things that can't move, pick symbols for them, set a scale, decide directions, and then draw a map of your classroom.

Exam Tip: For practical mapping activities, precision in measurement, consistent use of scale, and clear representation of symbols are vital for an accurate and understandable map.

Choose the correct alternative from those given below each question:

Question 1. What is the drawing of a flat area of the earth on a paper called ?
(a) Conventional sign
(b) Map
(c) Scale
(d) Route map
Answer: (b) Map
In simple words: A map is a picture of a flat area of the Earth drawn on paper.

Exam Tip: Clearly understand the definition of a map and how it differs from other map components like conventional signs or scale.

Question 2. With whose help the correct picture of any area can be known ?
(a) Map
(b) Atlas
(c) Route map
(d) Direction
Answer: (a) Map
In simple words: A map helps us to understand the correct picture of any area.

Exam Tip: Maps are fundamental for visual representation of an area, allowing accurate interpretation of its features and layout.

Question 3. Where is the NATMO (National Atlas and Thematic Maping Organization) located ?
(a) Amritsar
(b) Dehra Dun
(c) Mumbai
(d) Kolkata
Answer: (d) Kolkata
In simple words: The NATMO organization is situated in Kolkata.

Exam Tip: Remember the location of important national organizations as these are common general knowledge questions.

Question 4. Which colour is used to show height in a colour map ?
(a) Green
(b) Yellow
(c) Brown
(d) Blue
Answer: (c) Brown
In simple words: Brown color is used on maps to represent height.

Exam Tip: Associate brown with elevations (mountains, hills) on physical maps. Green for plains, blue for water, and yellow for deserts are also common color conventions.

Question 5. Which colour is used to show forests and vegetation in a colour map ?
(a) Green
(b) Blue
(c) Yellow
(d) Brown
Answer: (a) Green
In simple words: Green color on a map shows where forests and plants are.

Exam Tip: Green is universally recognized on maps to indicate areas of dense vegetation or forests.

Question 6. Which colour is used to show plains in a colour map ?
(a) Yellow
(b) Red
(c) Blue
(d) Black
Answer: (a) Yellow
In simple words: Yellow color on maps is used to show flat plains.

Exam Tip: Learn the standard color conventions for various geographical features on maps (e.g., green for vegetation, brown for mountains, blue for water, yellow for plains).

Fill in the blanks with proper words in the following statements:

1. While travelling by road, names of many places are read on the __________ along the road.
Answer: While driving on roads, the names of numerous places can be found on the **milestone** alongside the road.
In simple words: You read place names on milestones when you travel by road.

Exam Tip: Understand common road signs and markers, as they are part of general geographical knowledge.

2. A '................' is a drawing of any part of the surface of the earth on a plain paper.
Answer: A '**map**' is a drawing of any portion of the earth's surface on a flat sheet of paper.
In simple words: A map is a drawing of any part of the Earth's surface on paper.

Exam Tip: This is a direct definition; remember the core concept of a map as a flat representation of the Earth's surface.

3. The word 'Map' is derived from the Latin word ....................
Answer: The term 'Map' comes from the Latin word **Mappa** or **Mappa-mundi**.
In simple words: The word 'Map' comes from the Latin words 'Mappa' or 'Mappa-mundi'.

Exam Tip: Knowing the etymology of geographical terms can enhance your understanding and memory.

4. Generally, \( \underset{ \text{ \(\uparrow\) } }{\text{N}} \) sign appears on the ................ side of any map.
Answer: Typically, the \( \underset{ \text{ \(\uparrow\) } }{\text{N}} \) symbol is found on the **upper** side of any map.
In simple words: The 'N' with an arrow symbol usually appears at the top of a map.

Exam Tip: The North arrow is a fundamental orientation tool; its standard placement is at the top of maps for consistency.

5. The ................ distance between any two places can be known by the scale.
Answer: The **actual** distance between any two locations can be determined using the scale.
In simple words: The real distance between two places can be found using the map's scale.

Exam Tip: Remember that scale is crucial for translating distances on a map to real-world distances.

Question 6. Brown colour is used in coloured maps to show
Answer: height
In simple words: Brown is a color often used on maps to represent how high or low the ground is.

Exam Tip: Remember common map colors: brown for elevation, green for vegetation, blue for water, and yellow for plains.

Question 7. Green colour is used in coloured maps to show
Answer: forests and vegetation
In simple words: Green on a map shows where there are forests and other types of plants.

Exam Tip: Associate green with plant life and forests when interpreting map keys.

Question 8. Yellow colour is used in coloured maps to show
Answer: plains
In simple words: Yellow areas on a map usually mean flat land or plains.

Exam Tip: Knowing that yellow indicates plains helps in quickly identifying flat geographical areas on a map.

State whether the following statements are true or false:

Question 1. An actual distance between two places can be known with the help of a map.
Answer: False
In simple words: Maps show distances using a scale, but they don't give the exact real-world distance itself, only a scaled version.

Exam Tip: Maps use scales to represent distances, so while you can calculate real distances, the map itself displays a scaled version, not the actual measurement directly.

Question 2. Conventional signs are a part of maps.
Answer: True
In simple words: Standard symbols, called conventional signs, are definitely included on maps to show different features.

Exam Tip: Conventional signs are essential for understanding map features, so recognize their importance and purpose.

Question 3. If we stand facing the rising sun, the north direction will be on our back side.
Answer: False
In simple words: When you face the rising sun (east), the north direction is to your left, not behind you.

Exam Tip: To easily find directions, remember: rising sun is east, setting sun is west. If east is in front, then north is to your left and south is to your right.

Question 4. Generally, \( \underset{\uparrow}{N} \) sign appears on the upper side of a map.
Answer: True
In simple words: Typically, the 'N' symbol with an arrow pointing up is found at the top of maps to show north.

Exam Tip: This 'N' arrow is a crucial orientation tool; always locate it first to understand the map's layout.

Question 5. Conventional signs give much information in bigger space.
Answer: False
In simple words: Conventional signs actually help to show a lot of information in a very small amount of space, not bigger space.

Exam Tip: Conventional signs are designed for efficiency, condensing complex real-world features into simple, universal symbols that save map space.

Question 6. Maps with scales are useful to foreigners while travelling.
Answer: False
In simple words: Maps with scales are useful to everyone, including foreigners, for understanding distances, but they aren't exclusively for foreigners.

Exam Tip: The utility of a map's scale extends to all users, local or foreign, for calculating real-world distances.

Question 7. Various geographical information can be known due to different colours in the maps.
Answer: True
In simple words: Maps use different colors to show various land features and information, making it easier to understand.

Exam Tip: Familiarize yourself with the common color conventions on maps (e.g., blue for water, green for lowlands, brown for highlands) as they convey significant geographical data.

Question 8. PS is a conventional sign for post office.
Answer: False
In simple words: 'PO' is the usual sign for a post office, not 'PS', which commonly stands for Police Station.

Exam Tip: Be careful not to confuse conventional signs; 'PO' is for Post Office, and 'PS' is typically for Police Station.

Question 9. \( \xrightarrow{\quad \quad} \) conventional sign for a river.
Answer: True
In simple words: A wavy line is a standard symbol used on maps to represent a river.

Exam Tip: Recognize common conventional signs like a wavy line for a river, a dotted line for a path, or a solid line for a road.

Question 10. \( \bullet \) is a conventional sign for a state capital.
Answer: False
In simple words: A dot usually marks a city or town, but a specific symbol like a star in a circle or a larger dot is often used for a capital.

Exam Tip: Capital cities often have distinct conventional signs (like a star or a dot within a circle) to differentiate them from other cities.

Match the appropriate pairs:

Answer:
(1 – 4), (2 – 1), (3 – 5), (4 – 2).
In simple words: Sunrise matches the Eastern direction. Sunset matches the Western direction. Height in a map is shown by Brown colour. Plain in the map is shown by Yellow colour.

Exam Tip: Practice matching geographical features or concepts with their corresponding map representations (colors, directions) to improve map reading skills.

Answer the following questions in one or two sentences:

Question 1. What is meant by the organs of a map ?
Answer: Some important things that are needed to understand or make a map are called 'the organs of a map'.
In simple words: The important parts you need to know to read or create a map are called its "organs".

Exam Tip: Key elements like scale, direction, and conventional signs are often referred to as the 'organs' or essential components of a map.

Question 2. Give the full form of 'NATMO'.
Answer: The full name of 'NATMO' is National Atlas and Thematic Maping Organization.
In simple words: NATMO stands for National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization.

Exam Tip: Remember important acronyms related to mapping and geography, as they are often tested.

Question 3. Where is the NATMO (National Atlas and Thematic Maping Organization) institution located?
Answer: The NATMO (National Atlas and Thematic Maping Organization) is located at Kolkata.
In simple words: The NATMO office, which makes maps, is found in Kolkata.

Exam Tip: Note the locations of significant geographical and mapping organizations for factual recall questions.

Question 4. What is the function of NATMO (National Atlas and Thematic Maping Organization) ?
Answer: The NATMO (National Atlas and Thematic Maping Organization) produces distribution maps.
In simple words: NATMO creates maps that show where different things are located or how they are spread out.

Exam Tip: Understand the primary role of organizations like NATMO, which is to create and publish various types of maps, including thematic and distribution maps.

Question 5. In which directions does the sun rise and set ?
Answer: The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
In simple words: The sun always comes up in the east and goes down in the west.

Exam Tip: This is a basic geographical fact; always state it clearly and concisely.

Question 6. If you stand facing the rising sun, which side will be the west and which will be the east of you ?
Answer: If I stand facing the rising sun, my back side will be west and the front side will be east.
In simple words: If you face where the sun comes up (east), then behind you is west, and in front is east.

Exam Tip: Use your body to visualize directions: front (face) = east, back = west, left = north, right = south when facing the rising sun.

Question 7. Which sign generally appears on the upper side of a map ? N
Answer: Generally, \( \underset{\uparrow}{N} \) is the sign which appears on the upper side of the map, and it shows the North direction.
In simple words: The 'N' with an arrow pointing up is usually at the top of a map to show us where North is.

Exam Tip: The North arrow is a fundamental orientation symbol; identifying it quickly helps in understanding the entire map layout.

Question 8. After finding which direction in the map, all other directions are known automatically?
Answer: After knowing the North direction in the map, all other directions are automatically known.
In simple words: Once you know where North is on a map, you can easily figure out all the other directions.

Exam Tip: North is the cardinal direction from which all other directions (South, East, West) can be logically deduced.

Question 9. What is the importance of scale in a map ?
Answer: With the help of the scale, the distance between any two places can be known easily.
In simple words: The map scale helps us find out the real distance between two places shown on the map.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that the scale is crucial for understanding real-world distances and for accurate interpretation of maps.

Question 10. Which colours are used to show which geographical information ?
Answer: In a map, brown colour is used to show height, green colour to show forests and vegetation, yellow colour to show plains and blue colour to show water features.
In simple words: Maps use brown for high places, green for plants, yellow for flat areas, and blue for water.

Exam Tip: Knowing the standard map colors for different geographical features is essential for quickly reading and interpreting information.

Question 11. Draw conventional signs used in maps for the following:
[Top (Peak), Metalled Road, Railway, State Border (Boundary), Post office, North direction]
Answer:
(1) Top (Peak) : \( \triangle \)
(2) Metalled road: \( \underline{\quad \quad \quad \quad \quad} \)
(3) Railway: \( ||||||||||||| \)
(4) State Border (Boundary): \( \cdot- \cdot- \cdot- \)
(5) Post office: PO
(6) North direction: \( \underset{\uparrow}{N} \)
In simple words: Here are the common symbols used on maps: a triangle for a mountain peak, a thick line for a metalled road, parallel dashed lines for a railway, a dot-dash line for a state border, 'PO' for a post office, and 'N' with an arrow for North.

Exam Tip: Practice drawing and recognizing these common conventional signs as they are fundamental to understanding any map.

Give brief answers for the following questions:

Question 1. How is the word 'Map' derived ?
Answer: The word 'Map' is taken from the Latin word 'Mappa' or 'Mappa-mundi'. It means a piece of cloth that is the size of a handkerchief'.
In simple words: The word 'Map' comes from the Latin term 'Mappa' or 'Mappa-mundi', which means a small piece of cloth like a handkerchief.

Exam Tip: Understanding the origin of geographical terms can sometimes help in remembering their meaning and context.

Question 2. How is a map useful ?
Answer: Geographical information about various parts of the earth is easily accessible from the map. A map is used to find the geographical location of a place or an area. With the help of a map, a small and accurate picture of an area can be known. A map serves as a guide for tourists and business people. A map is useful in many ways as it is a collection of geographical information.
In simple words: Maps are helpful because they give easy information about places on Earth. They show where things are, give a small but true picture of an area, and guide travelers and business owners by storing lots of geographical facts.

Exam Tip: When explaining map utility, cover key aspects like location identification, scaled representation, and guidance for different users (e.g., tourists, businesses).