WHAT ARE MAPS?
You have learnt in the previous chapter about the advantages of a globe. However, the globe has limitations as well. A globe can be useful when we want to study the earth as a whole. But, when we want to study only a part of the earth, as about our country, states, districts, towns, and villages, it is of little help. In such a situation we use maps. A map is a representation or a drawing of the earth’s surface or a part of it drawn on a flat surface according to a scale. But it is impossible to flatten a round shape completely.
We find that maps are useful to us for various purposes. One map shows a small area and a few facts. Another map may contain as many facts as a big book. When many maps are put together we get an Atlas. Atlases are of various sizes, measurements drawn on different scales.
Activity:
Let’s Do
Take an old rubber ball and draw whatever you like all over it. You may also mark north pole and south pole on it. Now cut this ball with a knife and try to flatten it. Notice how the drawings are distorted.