A map is an essential tool of a geographer. Reading maps gives a clear understanding of geographical location, physiographic features like mountains, plateaus and plains, water features such as rivers, lakes and oceans, and cultural features such as roads and settlements. Maps preserve records of the past, which help us to understand the past and perceive the future. They portray the political boundaries of countries and states, help students see the size and shape of countries and continents, and clearly refer to the properties that people own.
1. What Is a Map?
A map is a representation of the earth as a whole or a part of the earth drawn on a flat surface according to a given scale.
- It can show continents, countries, cities and even a local area, drawn with specific details.
- It is easy to handle and carry, as it can be rolled up or folded.
- In the early times, maps were made on animal skin, cloth, parchment, papyrus, wet earth and clay tablets.