Samacheer Class 8 Social Science - Map Reading

The globe is the true representation of the Earth because it accurately shows the spherical shape of our planet and maintains correct proportions and relationships between different areas. A way of representing the spherical earth on a flat surface is a map, which uses various projection techniques to convert three-dimensional information onto two dimensions. A line that joins the points of equal elevation is called an isoline or contour line, which helps represent the topography and relief features of an area on a map. Cadastral maps are usually maintained by local administrators and revenue departments as they contain detailed information about land ownership, boundaries, and property records. A thematic map is focused on a specific theme such as climate, vegetation, population, or economic activities, providing detailed information about that particular aspect of a region.

Map scale refers to the relationship (or ratio) between distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground.
The map scale is stated in words i.e., 1 cm to 1 km.
2. What is a physical map?
Map which shows the physical feature of an area is called a physical map.
3. Write a short note on map projection.
A map projection is a way of representing the spherical earth on a flat surface of a map. The curved surface of the earth cannot be shown accurately on a map. So, cartographers use map projections while mapping the earth surface which would help them to reduce distortions.4. Name the Intermediate directions.
The intermediate directions are northeast, north west, south east, and south west.
5. What are the uses of a cadastral map?
Cadastral maps are useful for local administration such as the city survey, taxation, management of estates and to define property in legal documents.

Scales on maps can be represented in three different ways. They are:
Statement or Verbal scale
Representative Fraction (RF) or Ratio Scale
Graphical or Bar Scale
1. Statement or Verbal scale:
In this method, the map scale is stated in words i.e., 1 cm to 1 km.
It means 1 cm distance on the map corresponds to 1 km distance on the ground.
Thus it is written on the map like 1 cm to 1 km.
2. Representative Fraction (RF) or Numerical Fraction or Ratio Scale:
It shows the relationship between the map distance and the corresponding ground distance in the same units of length.
R.F. is generally shown as a fraction.
3. Graphical or Bar Scale or Linear Scale:
A graphic scale looks like a small ruler drawn at the bottom of the page.
This line is divided and sub-divided into lengths each of which represents a certain distance on the ground.
This scale has an added advantage for taking copies of maps as the measurement does not change.2. Describe the Cadastral map and its importance.
The Cadastral map refers to a map which shows the boundaries and ownership of land within a specified area.
They are sometimes called plans.
They show full details of boundaries and buildings.
They are useful for local administration such as city survey, taxation to define property in legal documents.
It is maintained by the government as a public record.
Importance:
It surveys documents boundaries of land ownership, diagrams, sketches plan, and maps.
They are originally used to ensure reliable facts for land valuation and taxation.
3. Write a paragraph about the conventional signs and symbols.
The conventional signs and symbols:
Conventional signs are symbols used in maps to represent different features.
The symbols are explained in the key of the map.
These symbols give a lot of information in a limited space.
With the use of these symbols, maps can be drawn easily and the concept of the map can be understood well. There is an international agreement regarding the use of certain symbols.
The symbols that fall under this category are Called Conventional Symbols. Another category is called contextual symbols which are decided by the cartographers.

To find location of objects and places.
To find the transportation routes.
Maps show strategic location is useful for the military.
Serve as a tourist guide.
To find the spatial distribution of different phenomena.
Display weather conditions.
Highly helpful in learning geography.
Represent the real world on small scale.2. What are the basic components of a map? Explain any two.
The basic components of a map are
Title
Scale
Legend or key
Direction
Source
Map projection and locational information and
Conventional signs and symbols.
Title:
The title tells about the content of the map and is placed mostly at the top comer or at the bottom comer of the map.
Legend or key:
A map key or Legend is included to unlock the map.
It gives us the needed information.
Maps often use symbols or colours to represent things and the key explains what they mean.
Symbols are the key might be pictures or icons that represent different things on the map.
Some examples are map legend.
Campground.
Emergency Telephone.
Gravel Road.

Scale
2. ………………… tells about the content of the map.
Title
3. ………………… shows the relationship between the map distance and the corresponding ground distance.
Representative fraction
4. A ………………… looks like a small ruler drawn at the bottom of the page.
graphic scale5. Directions on a map are often given with a symbol called ………………….
a Compass rose
6. Maps and globe an important tools for …………………
Geographers
7. ………………… is an act of interpreting or understanding the geographic information portrayed on a map.
Map reading
8. Globe gives a dimensional Representation of the entire world.
Ans: three
9. ………………… and ………………… marked on maps give the locational information of the area covered in the respective maps.
Latitudes, Longitudes
10. ………………… give a lot of information in a limited space.
Conventional signs
11. The meaning cadastral, is ………………….
Register of Territorial Property
12. ………………… are classified into qualitative and quantitative thematic maps.
Thematic maps13. ………………… is an act of interpreting the geographic information Portuguese on a map
Map Reading
14. In the represents ………………… distance
1 km
15. In the map Legend symbol denotes …………………
camp