How many types of maps are there?
Answer
Maps are classified as follows:
1. On the basis of Scale —
i. Large scale maps — Large scale maps show a small area
in great details.These maps are further classified into two
types:
a. Cadastral maps
b. Topographical maps
ii. Small scale maps — Small scale maps show a larger area
in less detail and space. These maps are further classified
into two types:
a. Atlas maps
b. Wall maps
2. On the basis of their function —
i. Political — e.g. World political
ii. Physical — e.g. Relief, Climatic
iii. Thematic — e.g. Population
Question 2
What is the significance of colours in Topographical Maps?
Answer
Topographical maps use conventional colors to convey information in
a compact and easy-to-understand format. For example, yellow
represents cultivable land, green represents forest area, and black
represents dry streams and surveyed trees.
Question 3
List the objectives of survey of India map.
Answer
The objectives of Survey of India map are:
1. To have all topographical control and conduct required surveys
within the country.
2. Mapping and production of political and physical map and
aeronautical charts.
3. Demarcation of external boundaries of the Republic of India
4. Research and development in the fields of cartography, printing,
photography related to topographical surveys of India.
Question 4
Draw the symbols of the following conventional signs in appropriate
colours —
1. Broken Ground
2. Temple
3. Church
4. Contours showing one side steep, the other side gentle slope
5. Surveyed tree
Answer
1. Broken Ground
2. Temple
3. Church
4. Contours showing one side steep, the other side gentle slope
5. Surveyed tree
Question 5
Define the following terms
1. Causeway
2. Contours
3. Depression
4. Stony waste
5. Fire line
6. Surveyed tree
7. Brackish
8. Meander
9. Broken ground
10. Embankment
11. Diggi
12. Pylons
Answer
1. Causeway — A raised road or platform across a stream is
known as Causeway. A stream having a causeway is motorable
during dry season. Hence too many causeways indicate scanty
or seasonal rainfall.
2. Contours — The lines drawn in brown colour, joining places
having same elevation above sea level are called contours.
3. Depression — A hollow created on the top of mound or dune in
sandy area, formed by blowing away of sand by the wind is
called depression.
4. Stony waste — The land covered with rock boulders and stones,
where cultivation is not possible is called Stony waste. It is
shown on a survey sheet as a white patch.
5. Fire line — A clearing made in the forest to prevent spread of
fire is called fire line.
6. Surveyed tree — It serves as a prominent survey point, shown in
black.
7. Brackish— Brackish written beside a perennial lined well
indicates that the water of the well is salty, and not fit for
irrigation or drinking.
8. Meander— A bend in the river flowing through a flat land or plain
during its middle stage is called meander.
9. Broken ground— Uncultivable land, generally found along the
banks of a stream of river in arid regions where the top soil is
easily eroded due to flooding during rainy season is called
broken ground.
10. Embankment— A bank or mound constructed along a tank or
artificial lake to prevent flooding is called embankment.
11. Diggi— A tank that is used for the collection of water is called
diggi.
12. Pylons— Tall metal structures that holds electric cables high
above the ground are called pylons.
Question 6
What is the significance of conventional signs and symbols in
topographical survey maps? Explain with the help of examples.
Answer
Conventional signs and symbols help convey a lot of information on
topographical maps in a compact and universally accepted format.
They provide a quick idea of the layout and characteristics of an area.
For instance, permanent settlements are represented by red squares,
hospitals by red plus signs, and other facilities by their unique
symbols.
Question 7
Define the following conventional signs and symbols and explain in
brief.
Answer
i. Depression — A hollow created on the top of mound or
dune in sandy area, formed by blowing away of sand by
the wind is called depression.
ii. Stony waste — The land which is mostly covered with rock
boulders and stones and where cultivation is not possible.
It is shown as a white patch on the map.
iii. Sheet rock — A region which is mostly covered by a sheet
of rock is called sheet rock. It is shown in white and is
printed on the survey sheet.
iv. Rock-out-crop — Subsoil is exposed in such areas and
cultivation is not possible. It is printed on the survey sheet.
v. Surveyed tree — It serves as a prominent survey point,
shown in black.
vi. Embankment — A bank or mound constructed along a
tank or artificial lake to prevent flooding is called
embankment. It is generally a cemented structure.
vii.Stone quarry — It is the underground quarrying for stones.
Its presence indicates the occupation of the people in the
region. It also shows the trade possibilities.
viii. Meander — A bend in the river flowing through a flat
land or plain during its middle stage is called meander.
ix. A Ridge — A long, narrow highland with edge along the
top of hills or mountains is called ridge.
x. Spot height — Spot height is the height of a particular point
measured and is shown on the survey map as .240. It
means that the height of that particular point is 240 metres
above sea level.
xi. Relative height — 3r. besides a river bank, tank with
embankment or sand dune shows the relative height
between top and bottom. Hence, it should be explained as
the relative height of the embankment of the tank is 3
metres.
xii.Fire line — A clearing made in the forest to prevent spread
of fire is called Fire line.
xiii. Causeway — A raised road or platform across a stream
is known as Causeway. A stream having a causeway is
motorable during dry season. Hence too many causeways
indicate scanty or seasonal rainfall.
xiv. Brackish — Brackish written beside a perennial lined
well indicates that the water of the well is salty, and not fit
for irrigation or drinking.
xv.Overhead tank — It is a big water container made on
elevated structure for storing water. The stored water is
meant for public supply.
