Chapter 9 – Maps and Scale

Maps and Scale is an important chapter in WBBSE Class 9 Geography. Here, you will find Maps and Scale questions and answers arranged clearly to help you revise quickly and prepare better for your exams.

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Single word questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Long-type questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)

1. Scales are widely used in-
(a) Agriculture
(b) Surveying
(c) Mining
(d) Industries

Ans: (b) Surveying

2. The features of the earth’s crust are shown by-
(a) Scale
(b) Mines
(c) Map
(d) Colour

Ans: (c) Map

3. The number of regional maps shown in Ptolemy’s ‘Geographia’ is-
(a) 24
(b) 26
(c) 20
(d) 22

Ans: (b) 26

4. The R.F. of a cadastral map is usually-
(a) 1:1000
(b) 1:3960
(c) 1:10000
(d) 1:100000

Ans: (a) 1:1000

5. The scale that can be used in any country of the world is-
(a) Diagonal scale
(b) Statement scale
(c) Linear scale
(d) Fractional scale

Ans: (d) Fractional scale

6. The word ‘map’ has been derived from the Latin word-
(a) Mappo
(b) Mapin
(c) Mappa
(d) Mapia

Ans: (c) Mappa

7. A political map is a-
(a) Scale oriented map
(b) Quantitative map
(c) Topic based map
(d) Information oriented map

Ans: (d) Information oriented map

8. The map used for collecting land revenue is-
(a) Map of police station
(b) Political map
(c) Geotectonic map
(d) Cadastral map

Ans: (d) Cadastral map

9. Diagonal scale is a type of-
(a) Graphical scale
(b) Fractional scale
(c) Linear scale
(d) Statement scale

Ans: (a) Graphical scale

10. The headquarters of the Survey of India is in-
(a) Pune
(b) Mumbai
(c) Delhi
(d) Dehradun

Ans: (d) Dehradun

11. The globe is drawn on a-
(a) Large scale
(b) Small scale
(c) Medium scale
(d) None of these

Ans: (b) Small scale

12. The J.L. number is given in-
(a) Atlas
(b) Cadastral map
(c) Topographical map
(d) None of these

Ans: (b) Cadastral map

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks

1. _________ is used in a map to measure the actual ground distance between two place. (Scale)
2. ‘Mauza’ map is a ________ scale map. (Large)
3. A ________ map shows the relief. (Relief)
4. The word ‘map’ has been derived from the Latin word ________. (Mappa)
5. A map is an important component of ___________. (Geography)
6. The __________ scale is used predominantly in maps. (Graphical)
7. The ‘dag’ numbers of individual plots are marked on a ________ map. (Cadastral)
8. The _______ map shows the boundary and capital of a country. (Political)
9. The rock types of any area can be shown by a _________ map. (Geological)
10. The small divisions of a graphical scale are called ___________. (Secondary divisions)
11. Maps which are depicted in a small form are called ____________ maps. (Small scale)

2B. True or false

1. A globe is a small model of the earth. (True)
2. White colour is used to indicate water on a map. (False)
3. The ratio of scale increases when a map is enlarged. (True)
4. Map only depict mountains, rivers, hills, towns and ports. (False)
5. Spot heights and benchmarks are shown on cadastral maps. (False)
6. The scale drawn to compare two different units is known as Comparative scale. (True)
7. A very small fraction cannot be measured by Vernier scale. (False)

2C. Very short-type questions and aswers

1. Explain the meaning of the scale 1:50,000.
Ans: The scale 1:50,000 means one unit on the map represents 50,000 units on the ground.

2. Define the term scale.
Ans: Scale is the ratio between the distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground.

3. How are maps classified on the basis of information?
Ans: On the basis of information, maps are divided into physical maps, political maps, and thematic maps.

4. What are the types of scale?
Ans: The types of scale are statement scale, representative fraction, and graphical scale.

5. What are the disadvantages of Statement Scale?
Ans: The statement scale becomes useless when the map is reduced.

6. Where was the oldest map found?
Ans: The oldest map was found in Babylon.

7. Give an example of a large scale map.
Ans: A cadastral map is an example of a large scale map.

8. Which colour on a map indicates forests?
Ans: Green colour on a map indicates forests.

9. What is a village formally called?
Ans: A village is formally called a rural settlement.

10. What are the central themes of a map?
Ans: The central themes of a map are location, direction, distance, and symbols.

11. What type of map is a wall map?
Ans: A wall map is generally a small-scale map.

12. An atlas is drawn using what type of maps?
Ans: An atlas is drawn using small-scale maps.

13. Which type of map is drawn by using contours?
Ans: A topographical map is drawn by using contours.

14. Which map shows agricultural land?
Ans: A land-use map shows agricultural land.

15. Which type of map shows the location of a country?
Ans: A political map shows the location of a country.

16. Which type of map shows the characteristics of soil?
Ans: A soil map shows the characteristics of soil.

17. Which scale is represented only in graphs?
Ans: A graphical scale is represented only in graphs.

18. What type of scale is a vernier scale?
Ans: A vernier scale is a type of comparative scale.

19. Name the instrument that is used to measure air pressure?
Ans: A barometer is used to measure air pressure.

20. What is the circumference of the equator?
Ans: The circumference of the equator is approximately 40,075 kilometres.

21. Which organisation publishes topographical maps of India?
Ans: The Survey of India publishes topographical maps of India.

3. Short-type Questions and Answers

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Graphical Scale?
Ans:

Advantages of Graphical Scale	Disadvantages of Graphical Scale
(i) It remains correct even if the map is reduced or enlarged.	(i) It occupies more space on the map.
(ii) Distance can be measured directly from the map.	(ii) It takes more time to draw.
(iii) It is more accurate than statement scale.	(iii) It requires careful construction.
(iv) It can be used easily without calculation.	(iv) It is slightly difficult for beginners to understand.
(v) It gives correct result after photocopying.	(v) It needs proper tools for accurate drawing.

2. What are Graphical and Statement Scales?
Ans:
Graphical Scale:
(i) A graphical scale is a scale shown by a drawn straight line on a map.
(ii) The line is divided into equal parts to measure distance.
(iii) It remains correct even if the map is reduced or enlarged.

Statement Scale:
(i) A statement scale is a scale expressed in simple words.
(ii) It describes the relation between map distance and ground distance.
(iii) It becomes incorrect when the map is reduced.

3. What are the advantages of a small scale map?
Ans: The advantages of a small scale map are:
(i) It can show very large areas on a small space.
(ii) It gives a general idea of continents and countries.
(iii) It is useful for showing the whole world or large regions.
(iv) It is easy to carry and use.

4. What are the advantages of a large scale map?
Ans: The advantages of a large scale map are:
(i) It shows a small area in greater detail.
(ii) It clearly shows roads, houses, fields and other features.
(iii) It is more accurate and precise.
(iv) It is useful for local planning and detailed study.

5. What are the main components used for drawing a map?
Ans: The main components used for drawing a map are scale, direction, symbols, colours and legends. These help to understand the map properly.

6. What is a blueprint?
Ans: A blueprint is a detailed plan map prepared for constructing buildings, roads, bridges and other structures.

7. What is a fractional scale?
Ans: A fractional scale is a scale expressed as a ratio or fraction, for example 1:50,000, which means one unit on the map represents 50,000 units on the ground.

8. What are the advantages of a statement scale?
Ans: The advantages of a statement scale are:
(i) A statement scale is very easy to understand.
(ii) A statement scale is simple to write in words.
(iii) A statement scale is easy for common people to use.
(iv) A statement scale is convenient for general and practical use.

9. What are the advantages of a fractional scale?
Ans: The advantages of a fractional scale are:
(i) A fractional scale is scientific and universally accepted.
(ii) A fractional scale has no specific unit of measurement.
(iii) A fractional scale can be used in any country of the world.
(iv) A fractional scale can be used with any system of measurement.

10. What is graphical scale?
Ans: A graphical scale is a straight line drawn on a map which is divided into equal parts to measure actual ground distance.

11. What is linear scale?
Ans: A linear scale is another name for a graphical scale in which distances are measured with the help of a straight line.

12. What are the advantages of a linear scale?
Ans: The advantages of a linear scale are:
(i) A linear scale is suitable for all types of maps.
(ii) A linear scale remains accurate even when the map is enlarged or reduced in size.
(iii) A linear scale helps to measure distance directly from the map.
(iv) A linear scale does not require any calculation for measurement.
(v) A linear scale is more accurate than a statement scale.

13. What is comparative scale?
Ans: A comparative scale is a scale which shows two different units of measurement together, like kilometres and miles.

14. What is diagonal scale?
Ans: A diagonal scale is a special type of graphical scale used for measuring very small and exact distances accurately.

15. What is vernier scaler?
Ans: A vernier scaler is a precise measuring instrument used to measure very small distances and minute divisions on a map.

16. What are the uses of scale?
Ans: Scale is used to measure distance, calculate area and understand the actual size of geographical features on a map.

4. Long-type Questions and Answers

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a statement scale?
Ans:

Advantages of Statement Scale	Disadvantages of Statement Scale
(i) It is very simple and easy to understand.	(i) It becomes incorrect when the map is enlarged or reduced.
(ii) It can be written quickly in words.	(ii) It cannot be used in countries with different units of measurement.
(iii) It is easy for common people to use.	(iii) It is less accurate than graphical and fractional scales.
(iv) No special skill is required to read it.	(iv) It is not suitable for scientific and technical work.
(v) It can be easily remembered.	(v) It cannot be used directly for precise measurement.
(vi) It is useful for simple maps.	(vi) It becomes useless if the map is photocopied in different sizes.

2. Mention the advantages and disadvantages of a linear scale?
Ans:

Advantages of Linear Scale	Disadvantages of Linear Scale
(i) It remains correct even when the map is enlarged or reduced.	(i) It takes more space on the map.
(ii) It is easy to measure distance directly from the map.	(ii) It requires more time and effort to draw.
(iii) It is more accurate than statement scale.	(iii) It is slightly difficult for beginners to understand.
(iv) It can be used without any calculation.	(iv) It needs careful drawing and division.
(v) It is suitable for all types of maps.	(v) It is not convenient for very small maps.
(vi) It gives correct result even after photocopying.	(vi) It requires proper tools for accurate construction.

3. Difference between Small scale map and Large scale map.
Ans:

Small Scale Map	Large Scale Map
A small scale map shows a large area.	A large scale map shows a small area.
It shows less details of the area.	It shows more details of the area.
The scale is small, such as 1:1,000,000.	The scale is large, such as 1:10,000.
It is generally used in atlases.	It is generally used in cadastral maps.
It is less accurate.	It is more accurate and detailed.

4. Explain the concept of maps and scale.
Ans: A map is a representation of the earth’s surface or a part of it on a flat sheet of paper. It shows natural and man-made features with the help of symbols, colours and signs. Since the earth is very large, it cannot be shown in its real size. Therefore, scale is used in a map. Scale is the ratio between the distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground. With the help of scale, real distances, areas and sizes can be measured from a map.

5. How are maps classified?
Ans: Maps can be classified in different ways:
(i) On the basis of scale, maps are of three types – small scale maps, medium scale maps and large scale maps.
(ii) On the basis of information, maps are divided into physical maps, political maps and thematic maps.
(iii) On the basis of drawing, maps are classified as qualitative maps and quantitative maps.
Thus, maps are classified according to their purpose, content and scale.

6. Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative map.
Ans:

Qualitative Map	Quantitative Map
A qualitative map shows types of features.	A quantitative map shows amount or quantity.
It describes the quality of geographical features.	It describes numerical data of features.
Example of qualitative map is a soil map.	Example of quantitative map is a population density map.
It does not use statistical values.	It is based on statistical data.
It is used for general information.	It is used for data analysis and comparison.

7. Difference between Fractional and Graphical map (scale).
Ans:

Fractional Scale	Graphical Scale
Fractional scale is expressed as a ratio such as 1:50,000.	Graphical scale is shown by a drawn line on the map.
It does not require any unit of measurement.	It uses a line divided into equal parts.
It becomes incorrect if the map size changes.	It remains correct even if the map size changes.
It is easy to write and express.	It occupies more space on the map.
It needs calculation for measuring distance.	Direct measurement is possible without calculation.