Geography Form One Notes – Map Work and Map Reading
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The Concept of a Map
Define the concep of a map
‘A1map is a representation ofan area ofthe earth’s surface on a fat surface such as pape, wood,
board, card, plastic, cloth or some other materi
The information given in a map is shown by conventional signs and symbols which are
imterpreted by the use of the “key”. A map shows important natural and man-made features
Some maps show distributions like rainfall, empertue, ar pressure and population, On a map,
lines of longitude and latitude are marked o show the position of diferent areas
‘Types of maps
‘There are many different types of maps, which are generally lasifies according to the features
they represent. Most ofthese maps ae grouped into two major types:
2. Topographic maps
b. Statistical or distribution maps
Topographic maps
Topographic maps are maps that are used to show selected physical and human features of a
sven area. These maps show
Location: The geographic locaton ina map maybe shown using
2. compass bearing;
b gid eference,
latitudes and longitudes
4. political and administrative boundaries; or
& use ofplace names,
Landscape: Some of the landscape features shown on a topographic map are mountain, hills,
plains, lakes, rivers and shape of coastlines. Relief maps show distribution of relief features such
as hills, mountains, valleys and depressions
Cultural features: Some of the cultural features or artificial features are roads, railways, cities,
towns, dams and other structures built by man
Uses of topographic maps
1, ‘Topographic maps are useful for describing features of the earth’s surface.
2. They are used to show the direction. People use maps to reach their destination. That is,
they show which direction o go and how far to go,
3. Town planners use maps to plan the best use of land.
4, Road builders use maps to design new roads.
5. Farmers use maps to plan the best use of their farmlands
6. Maps are essential to any field of study
7. They provide much information on the nature and distribution of geographical
phenomena e . settlement, population distribution, et.
‘Statistical or distribution maps
‘These maps show such geographical phenomena as distribution of rainfall temperature, pressure,
vegetation, crops, minerals and many other phenomena. The commonly used statistical or
distribution maps are Atlas maps. Atlas maps are usually drawn to scale. They representa large
area of the ground on a small space of paper. Maps of this nature are used to show various
geographical aspects:
Population maps show distribution of people and settlements e. towns and cities.
b. Vegetation maps show the distribution of vegetation, e.g forests, bushes and grasslands
© Political maps show political administrative divisions e.g. countries, regions provinces
and districts
4. Climatic maps show information on elements of climate such as rainfall, temperature and
winds.
© Economic maps show the distribution of various human activities, eg. farming, tourism,
transport and mining,
£ Travel maps show the location of places and distribution of hotels, camping sites,
historical sites and other interesting places,
Characteristics of atlas maps
a They are drawn to scale
b. They show whole countries, continents or even the world on a single sheet of paper or
page.
© They show generalized information, They do not include or show a great amount of detail
as shown in topographic maps
4. Atlas maps may include and show the distribution of many features such as crops,
minerals, roads, railways, towns, relief, vegetation and many others. Such details may be shown
by the use of colour, signs and symbols.
©. Atlas maps are simple and easy to read and interpret. They are easy to draw or to
reproduce
Uses of statistical and distribution maps
1. ‘They are useful for describing the distribution of many features found on the earth’s
surface or showing certain selected features such as physical, political, historical or economic
Features.
2. They are useful for showing generalized information on large or small areas.
‘The following are examples ofthe uses of statistical or distribution maps:
4. Physical maps show the arangement or distibution of mountains hills, highlands,
lowlands, rivers and so forth. (b) Political maps shown areas with their political and
administrative boundaries.
b. Climatic maps show the distribution of temperatures, rainfall, pressure, winds, climatic
regions te
€. Historical maps show the distribution of historical places e.g historical sts.
4. Economic maps show the distribution of chie crops, animals, industies, rads, mines,
a.
Components of a Map
Components of a Map
List ll the components of a map
These ae basi prerequisites or qualities that any map should have. A map shoul have
4. ail, which tells what the map is about
bale which suse to interpret the signs and symbols found ona map;
€ _amargin which bounds the map;
4. anindcaton ofthe north direction; and
©. a scale for showing the relationship between the distance on the map and that on the
round
Each ofthese components is discussed in detail below:
+ TideThe tite shows the topic o subject matter ofthe map. It gives the name of the area
hich the map represents or the Features represented on that map. The name ofthe map enables
the user to ead and interpret the map easily
+ Key:A key i alist of symbols and signs with their meanings as used in the map. I
appears in box atone ofthe bottom comers of the map. When these symbols and sign are
ven in the key, it becomes easier to interpreta map and get accurate information from it
+ North diretion:This is sign which shows the north direction, The sign gives an
indication ofthe direction towards the north tis fom this drstion that other cardinal points
and positional locations of differen area ona map canbe identified
+ Margin:This is a frame which encloses the area covered by the map. The margin is useful
in that guides and limits the map users a they read maps.
+ Scale:The sale ofthe map indicates the rato between the map and ground distances. I
enables the map readers to make accurate estimation of distances on the mapas they would be
‘measured onthe ground
A Scale and Different Ways Used in Representing a Scale
Define scale and identify different ways used in representing a scale
‘A scale i ratio between the distance onthe map and the true distance on the earth’ surice
distance on maj
Scale = ———Stanceon map _
Distance on the earth’s surface
Maps drawn to sale show the exaet proportionality betwosm the distance om the ground an that
on the map.
Map scales are very crucial because they enable the map readers to calculate actual distances and
areas on the ground based on the scales shown on maps. I isnot posible to estimate the actual
distance between two points on # map ora particular aca ona map without the wse ofthe scale
Though every map should have the scale, sketch maps are usually not drawn to sale. Sketch
‘maps are rough sketches drawn ona fat surfce to represent a particular area onthe ground
‘Types of scales
Map sales are classified on two bases. They ae classified based on:
the way they are expressed; and
b. theirsize
Classification of scales based on the way they are expressed based on this mode, map scales may
be expressed in any ofthe following ways:
1. Asastatement
2. Asarepresentative faction
3. Asalinearscale
Statement scale
This is the map scale stated in words or itis a verbal scale. The scale may be stated as “one
centimetre represents ten kilometres or I centimetre to 10 kilometres or 1 em to 10 km.”
It should be noted that in all statement scales map distances are stated in centimetres and ground
distances in kilometres For example i s wrong to state” one centimetre represents five hundred
metres. The correct statement is “one centimetre represents a half kilometre.”
Properties of statement scales
1, ‘They are expressed as word or verbal statements
2. The scales bear specific units of measurement, Usually the units representing map
distances are smaller than the actual ground distances, eg. 1 em represents 5 kilometres.
3. The word “represent” and “not equal to” or “equivalent to” is used when expressing
statement scales. For instance, do not state “one centimetre is equal to one kilometre”. This
statement is wrong because one centimetre on a map is not exactly equal to one kilometre on the
ground but just a scaled representative of the stated distance. The distance on the map is just
taken as a representative of but not equal to the distance on the ground. The statement above is
correctly stated as “one centimetre represents one kilometre”
4, The map distance always carries the digit 1 while that of the ground may be less than or
equal to 1. For example I em represents? km, 1 em represents km.
Representative fraction (RF) seale
‘This is type of scale which expresses the map distance asa fraction of the actual distance on
the ground, for example, 1:10000 or 1/10000, This means that one unit on the map represents
10000 units on the ground
Properties of RF scales
1, ‘The scales are either expressed as a rato or fraction and do not bear any units, The units
‘may be deduced from the linear or statement scale shown on the map.
2. The top number (numerator) stands for the map distance and i always reduced to 1
3. The bottom number (denominator) stands for the ground distance and is usually more
than 1
tis important to note that when assigning units of measurement to RF scales, both the numerator
and the denominator should bear the same units, eg. 1 em: 100 em. The units used in most scales
are centimetres. So, incase the nits are not given, assume the units are in centimetres
Example 1
Consider a map with an RF scale of 1/10000 or 1:100000. A river on this particular map
measures S om. Calculate the actual ground length of the river.
Solution
Since 1 em on the ground represents 100000 cm on the ground, then S em will represent
‘57100,000 em = 500,000 em . But 1 km = 100,000 em. then, the actual ground distance is
+500,000/100,000 = Skm,
Linear (graph) seale
AA linear scale or line scale or graph scale is a line showing the distance on the map that
represents a given distance on the ground. I is expressed as a short or long line sub-divided into
smaller, equal units. The linear scale is commonly placed at the bottom of the map. There are
{wo categories of linear scales: the short-line scale and the long-line scale.
{A short line scale consists ofa single, short line that represents the actual ground distance. To get
the unit of measurement on the map, one has to measure the length ofthe line in centimetres.
0 1km 1kn
LI or Ud
Short-tine scale
‘A tong line scale consists ofa lng line that is sub-divided into several equal parts, It has two
sections: the primary section andthe secondary section.
1000m 500m 1 2 3 4 5
<> +#\1_—\ Secondary
Primary
Linear scale
Properties of linear sales
1. The scales are expressed graphically in the frm of alin.
2. They show the specific us of measurement.
3. They give a direct measure of the distance on the ground represented by the
corresponding distance on the map.
4, The scale has the advantage of remaining the same even after the map is reduced or
calarged
Classification of scales based on thet sizes
Based on sizes, the sales are classified into thre categories
1. Small scales
2. Medium scales
3. Large sales
‘Small scale
‘A map drawn using a small scale is called a small-scale map. A small-scale map has the
following characteristics:
1. Itrepresents a large area ofthe earth’s surface on a piece of paper.
2. The features on a small scale map appear crowded and closer to each other than they
really are. As a result, they are not seen cleay.
3. The map shows fewer details as it covers a large area on a piece of paper e.g. an atlas
‘map of the world, Aftica or Tanzania. It only gives a general picture of the area represented,
Examples of small scales are: 110,000,000 or 1 cm:100 km; 11,000,000 or 1 em:10 km
Medium scale
This is a seale ranging between a small sale anda large scale.
Examples of medium scales are: 1:500,000 or 1 em:5 km; 1:250,000 or 1em:2.5 km
Large scale
‘A map drawn using a large scale is called a large-scale map. A large-scale map has the following
properties:
1. ‘The map shows many details of a small area on a piece of paper, eg. a map drawn to
represent a small area such asa town, a certain location or village ete. Therefore, more features
can be represented on a large scale map.
2. The map appears large in size though it represents a small part ofthe earths surface.
3. The features on the map are large in size, so they can be seen quite clearly
Examples of large scales are 150,000 or lem: 0.Skm; 1:25,000 or lem: 025km.
Difference between Signs and Symbols
Distinguish and explain signs from symbols
The natural and artificial landscape features are represented on maps by means of symbols and
signs. Symbols and signs are the alphabet or language of maps. As symbols and signs are
important in giving information on a map they should have the following qualities. They should
be.
a Easy toread;
b. Easy to understand;
© Easy to interpret; and
4. Correctly and clearly shown and presented on any map.
‘Symbols and signs are commonly shown atthe key or reference or legend of the map. With the
aid ofa key, reference or legend we can read and interpret a map. Symbols that are used in maps
usually look like the natural and artificial features they represent. Signs usually do not look like
the features they represent. Also most ofthe symbols ae pictorial while most signs are not.
‘The symbols and signs used on maps are used to improve the appearance and readability of the
‘map. Various symbols are used to depict features such as buildings, mines, forests, water bodies,
farmlands, ete
Fomnooe—Srmblaen
Dee =
kaye tS
uy ey
Spore ack Oo
Comput Pies | AS
‘Slaw aijone £
ee ty *
Est Figmae ie Egy pe
— -o8
Symbols and signs often used in maps
Quantitative Information on Maps
The Distance on the Map and Converting to the Actual Ground by Using
Scale
Measure the distance on the map and conver tothe actual ground by using scale
Ove of the many tasks that a map reader might encounter when reading maps is to take
‘measurements, Measurements on maps involve
measurement of distances; and
b. calculation oF areas on maps.
‘The conversion of map distances and ares into actual ground distances and arcas requires the
application of scales. A distance is the length between two specified points ona map,
Measurement of distances on maps
Distances on maps can either be straight or curved (Dent). A stright o regular distance is one
that has no bend or curves while a curved or irepular) distance isthe one with bends or curves.
Sraigh disonce
Curved distonce
Tools fr measuring distances
‘There ae thes nin tools that re wed for ensuing distances on maps. These ar
1. along, thin sting o thread
2 apicce of paper; and
3. apsirof vider
Measurement of distance using thread or string
‘Along, hin string such as sewing thread can be used to measure a stretch of many curves oF
bends. This isthe commonest method wsed by geography students to estimate distances on maps
This method is also used to estimate straight distances,
Procedures
+ dent the distance to he measured on the map (ea river, oad alway line te) and
‘mark is two ends with sharp pene. Mark one end a8 A and the other as 8
B
A
River X
+ Starting from one cn ofthe string, ac he route rive, road et) with sting as shown
inthe igure below:
String
B
A
RiverX
+ Mark the string with mink at point B
+ Using ruler or tnear scale, measure the length ofthe sting between point A and B and
estimate the actual distance onthe ground using the sale ofthe map provided
Ps
cot on blanttnhKhotio ne ani20
heen daees
monde
“hay
A B
A [
i |
Paper
10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 km
A
— +”
Paper
+ Use the provided scale to estimate the actual ground distance.
Measuring iegular (curved) distances
Procedures
Identify the length o be measured onthe map. Use a sharp pencil to mak both ends A
and B
+ Divide the route into sections which are more or les straight as shown in the figure
below
TM~ 3?
1 3
2 7
456
+ Lay the staight edge ofthe paper onthe fst straight section ofthe route. Mark with your
pencil where the route bends (point 1)
‘+ Tum the paper so that the edge now lies along the second part of the route. Make sure
that the mark you made is still on the point where the route bends. Now make another mark with
‘yur pencil at the bend (point 2).
—————
” a B
mark bend
+ Continue shifting the paper and marking the other distances between the points on the
route
+ Remove the marked paper, and using a ruler, measure from where you started to the last
‘mark on the paper. If this distance is 20 em and the scale is 1 em to 1 km, then the distance of the
route between A and B is 20 km.
“Measuring distances using a pai of dividers
“Measuring straight distances procedures
1, Locate the distance to be measured on the map and mark its two ends using a pencil
2. Use apairof dividers to measure the distance between the two end points onthe map,
3. Ifthe distance is longer than the length of the dividers even when fully stretched measure
the distance in sections and then sum up the lengths of all sections to get the total length
4. Place the divider on the linear scale and read the distance. Then use the scale to convert
the obtained map distance into the actual ground distance.
Measuring iregular (curved or bent) distances
Division method
b. Stepping method
Division method
Procedures
1. Divide the river, road, railway, ete into many, short straight distances.
2. Open your dividers and measure all distances as shown inthe figure below
3. Add up the map lengths ofall sections along the route,
4. Use the linear scale to get the actual ground length from the sum obtained in (ii) above.
The length of the route is equal to the sum of all sections, divisions or short distances.
divider
AB EF A
J
c D G
HOI
Division method
‘Add up all the measurements: AB = 1 km; BC= 1 km; CD = 1 km; DE=2 km; EF = 0.5 km; FG
=2 km; GH = 0.5 km; H= 1 ki; I = 2 km = Total length = 10 km.
Stepping method
+ Open and set the pair of dividers to a known distance by using the linear scale eg. quarter
or hal kilometre as shown in the figure below.
Stepping method
+ Follow the rver, road olin by stepping along it using the st divides,
+ Addup the numberof steps and multiply by quarter or hl’ kilometre (depending onthe
set length)
Example 3
Suppose numberof steps when the divider is opened to a quarter kilometes wide is 20 and when
itis a half, kilometres 10. Then, the length ofthe route i
10x?=50r20x7= Skilometes
Note tha fhe distance ofthe last step i les than the set distance ofthe dividers, measure it
separately and estimate its distance on the linear scale. Add up this distance to the total distance
fiom the steps to get the ill distance of the route (iver, road or Line)
‘Areas of Regular and Irregular Figures
Caleta areas of regular and irregular figures
‘The figures whose areas ae tobe caleulated on maps can either be regular o regular
Calculating areas of irregular shapes
Features with regular shapes on maps are rectangular, triangular, square or circular, Finding the
areas of such figures is simple, Mathematical formulae ate used to calculate their areas.
However, it snot common to find regular features on maps.
Calculating rea of diferent regular shapes
1. Triangles = Lx W, where L = length and W = width
2 Squares =L2, where L = length ofthe side of a square.
3. Triangles = ?bb, where b= length ofthe base and h = length ofthe height.
4. Cirele = 12 or xD2/4, where r= radius, D = diameter and x = 3.14 or 22/7
Calculating areas of irregular shapes: Features with itregular shapes are very common on
‘maps. These may include shapes of lakes, forests, plantations, settlements, marshy land, et.
An irregular shape
There are three methods used to calculate areas of irregular shapes. These are the
division method;
b. tracing method: and
©. gid square method
Division method
In this method, the area to be measured is divided into rectangles or squares and triangles or into
several strips ofthe same length and width. Then, the area ofeach resulting figure is calculated
using mathematical formula and summed up to get the total area
1. Divide the whole area into rectangles, squares or triangles,
2 Calculate the areas of the rectangles, squares and triangles using mathematical formulae
3. Sum up individual areas to get the total area Remember that the area should be in the
same units as the map seal.
)
[|
Example
‘The area above is divided into three figures A, B and C. The area ofthe three resulting figures is
calculated as follows:
Rectangle A: Atea= Lx W = 10×5=50km2
Triangle B: Arca = bh = ox 6x 4= 12 ken?
Triangle C: Area = Yibh = x 4x 3 = 6 km?
Total area =A + B+ C= 50 +12+6= 68 km?
Division of the area into strips
‘The stripping method involves dividing the area into strips and then calculating the area of each
strip separately. The toal area is obtained by summing up the areas ofall rectangular strips.
Scale: lem = 1 km
Procedures
1. Divide the area into uniform rectangular strips
2. Calculate the area of each rectangular strip separately. Remember that the areas of the
strips shouldbe inthe same units as the scale ofthe map,
3. Add up the area of each strip to get the total area,
‘Area = sum of the areas of all ndividual strips = area of 1+2+3+4+5
‘Tracing method
1. Trace off the outline (boundary) ofthe figure to be measured onto a tracing paper (graph
paper) or ordinary tracing paper and transfer the outline onto a squared paper.
2, Tick and count all complete squares and sum up their areas. Remember that each full
square measures I em x Lem,
3. Mark all incomplete squares with crosses.
4. Count all incomplete squares and divide the sum by 2 to get the number of complete
squares.
5. Add up the squares in (i) and (iv) to get the total number of squares covering the area of|
the figure to be estimated,
6. Using te scale provided fd the area one quar in re tobi he cual rea hat
woulbe covered he pound. Noth he arth ou calculi the approxi ae
ares
fe le Tete IN
[ele |e lo [oT
Wee LTTE |
‘
Velev tele Tey
Vie [sy fete fe |
YEE [ie |
NET TT
Accorng the figure above, he umber of complete ques i 28. The numberof incomplete
‘Hence the total number of complete squares = 28 +12.5 = 40.5. This is the same as 40.5 cm’.
x 0.5 km = 0.25 km?
Therefore, the tol acl ground re ofthe iegular shape is elculated thus Area = 405 x
0.25 =10.125 km?
Remember ht you don’t fv the waing paper you can aw he squares sagt on th map
sing he ong rcedes
ems
scout ae. fee a0 gs ine mak pr you dew right angled sure aos he
figure.
3. Mask your il squares and hal gure and flow the sone wacing method procedures
AEBS
A> ‘Me |e |v f)
(\el Adelle}
Flefe fo] Psp fly fel PA
Hebe [offs [fol tole Ty
fe bev ly [otf fee ee [oT
Hel [hcl fo fe |e fel fe fey ft
lebe befell fei feo fo
SC 0
Niele bel ey
ae EN
Seale: em= 1 km
‘Number of fill squares = 100
‘Namber of half squares = 48,
TOTAL area = 12459. km
‘The grid square method
IF the map provided has grid lines, the grid square method can be used to calculate the area on
the map. The grid squares formed by the lines are used in this case. For example, in a
topographical map of scale 1:50,000 the distance between two successive grid lines is 2 em. This
length is equivalent to 1 km on the ground. Therefore, every grid square on a 1:50,000 map
represents 1 km2 on the ground. Consider the diagram below
Saee==<0
REEPEEE ER
BhSesen
COE Eb PT
Cole
CORP
COCEBL Oo
seve ei
woteesteteeeig
Sec
hep rain ot a oni swt
Location of Position
peel
See eee. ae wh db slo eas ate te
porsnnioarapovee/todomnt une
——
Lo
A ean
_——
A pr
Use of place names
peyrasanerinyndplnaireueiaita
compa
Many years ago it was discovered that a magnetized piece of iron or nee if hung o allowed
to swing ely, wil always point tothe sume deton This icin i called the Noi is
from th noth cto that we measure her detion, tht is, ast West and South
‘A compass i an instrument used to measure dictions fom he north I consists of fc
singing. magnetized needle whch pins othe north and south magnet poe.
a
eA BS Daa ono
Ruler? SS saageining tens
‘ € i
ero
‘ial @eza a
<A BE ote
Deca oe mo
scale yy AN:
Magneto = 1) 3} Mendian
ecae : | |B – sets
fg
Ligu-stes + ve Base
‘ee re iont
SS a
Acompass
The compass canbe use to show destin in he following ways
Noat deton
The nh dcsion may be shown by wing: Geogaphic or True North; Magnetic North and
Grd Noe
1. Geographic of True North is the direction toward the North Pole from anyplace on the
carth’ssurfce. It is always indicated by the north arrow. When reading directions on maps we
sally use the True North
2. Magnet North isthe direction to which the compass needle points. The magnetie Noth
js some distance from the True North and also varies fiom year to year in relation to the True
Noah
3. ‘The Grid North isthe direction toward the north in those maps drawn to grid system.
3°55″
10”
3°45″
‘Magnetic declination as at
January 1970
Annual change: 1”
Compass directions
‘There are four major directions, bearings or cardinal points on maps with respect oa fixed point,
be it rue North or magnetic North, They are make by 97.
360
0
N
w E
270 90
iS
180
The four cardinal points can futher be sub-divided into eight points of 45°
N
‘“
NW NE
315 45
W 270 0E
sw 135,
ae SE
S
ee
Bearings of a compass
‘Compass bearing shows the direction of @ point with respect to another point measured
clockwise from Oo to 3600. Bearing is expressed in degrees which are further sub-divided into
‘minutes and seconds,
BS
a
Bearings of a compass
Grid reference
A grid system is a patter of horizontal and vertical lines forming squares of wniform sizes drawn
fon a map. Grid system is numbered East and North and is referred in terms of Easting and
Northing,
34 37 38 39 40 41
* VE
a
“FALE R ®
a ee ee
a 4 r 4
3
e EAE | TY
€ 3 4a
re on) ee
“TT *
“MI TTnN*
‘ [ML | *
» LT]
36 37 38 39 40 4
Eastings
Neri — the srt reson or aig flows rth ating Example Easing
4 When a place or point falls on the main grdlines or bisected by the grid line, add 0 t0
cach reading Example A place is bisected by- Easting =35 Northing = 40 The grid reference of a
point wll be 350400
When a place or point fll in the middle ofa grid square, the grid square is sub-divided
ito ten equal squares or tenths. The grid reading or direction is given to the nearest tenths.
Consider the point, A, inthe figure below). Example See point Bin the figure below. The pint
lies between the following grid reference: Easting = 35 Northing = 42
Procedures
1. Divide the grid square ito temthto locate the point or place. For example, point A inthe
figure below lesa Easting ~ 5 tenths Northing = 5 tenths
2 Read the eating adding the 5 tenth digit = 565
3. Read the nothing adding the 5 tenth digit =225
4. Fall grid reference ofthe point is 565225,
Direction and Bearing of Object on Maps
Find direction and bearing of object on maps
The beating ofa lace on a map canbe found when the north is given. The Nomh is usually an
arrow sign pointing othe north
Example
Find the bearing of pont B from pont A
Procedures
1. Join points and A witha straight line
2 Atpoint A, daw a tne parallel othe north-south line
3. Using a protractor, measure the angle B fom the north towards line BA as shown below
x
’
A
s
Direction of a place
The direction of a place or point is its direction with respect to another point measured by using
the pint ofthe compass e.g North, South, East and West
Example 6
Find the direction of point B from point A
Procedures
1. Join pois A and B witha straight line
2 Atprint A, daw a tne parallel to the north-south lin oF compass direction sign thats
3. Draw a horizontal line at point A to get the East and West of the four pints of the
compass.
4, Find the direction of point B from A tothe nearest point ofthe compas. The four, eight
cx sixteen points of compass may be used
B :
N
A
305°
s
‘When finding angular bearing or direction of a compas, always use the “True North” which is
siven om the map.
Uses of Maps
Different Uses of Maps
Describe diferent uses of maps
Maps are important tools to @ geographer. They are the crucial means of reading and
communicating information about the location and spatial characteristics ofthe natural world
“Maps are not only important to geographers. They are used throughout the world by scientists,
scholars, governments and the general public to meet environmental, economic, political and
social needs. The following ae some of the uses of maps:
|. Maps are important tools to geographers. They help geographers understand, in a visual
‘way, important things about the surface of the earth. For example, maps help the geographers
locate important features such as volcanoes; hilly and mountainous areas; dense forests; ete
2. Maps are used to record and store information about the environment, the location of
natural resources, capital assets and people. This is because the features change while map
information does not change. As such, maps store information for future reference
3. Maps allow us to convey information and findings that are difficult to express verbally.
‘Thus, the maps make the studying and understanding of geography easier since they have
pictorial characteristics
4. A map shows the relationship between and among features for example, a map clearly
indicates the location of places, rivers, a network of roads, vegetation, ete.
5. Maps enable us to study the distribution of geographical phenomena such as water
bodies, valleys, mountains, vegetation and other features. 6. Maps, especially those drawn to grid
systems, give the location or postion ofa place or feature
6. Maps may be used for estimating travel costs between two or more places. This may be
done by estimating the distance to be covered (by using map scales) and then multiplying the
distance by the cost per kilometre or mie to obtain the total travelling costs.
7. Climate maps provide crucial information about the climates of different parts of the
‘world and how these climates influence daily human activities.