A MAP is a scaled representation of any part or whole of the Earth’s surface on a flat body like a piece of paper, blackboard, wood or a cloth.
PURPOSES OF A MAP
1. To provide information on the existence, the location and the distance between ground features.
2. To indicate variations in terrain, heights of natural features and the extent of vegetation cover.
ASPECTS OF MAP
1. Map reading:
– It is an act of recognizing or identifying natural and man-made features and their spatial relationship on a map.
2. Map interpretation:
– It is a process of examining a given topographical map of an area for the purpose of identifying its geographical information.
– It involves assessing things like climate, relief, drainage, economic activities, mode of transport and vegetation distribution.
– Map reading and interpretation involves skills such as measuring distances, calculating areas, reading grid reference systems, positions, interpreting contour lines and direction.
3. Map analysis:
– It is the process of working out the relationship of the identified geographical information with others which have not directly been shown in the map.
– It involves both map interpretation and map reading.
A person who creates and makes maps is called a cartographer.
IMPORTANCE OF MAPS TO GEOGRAPHERS
1. Maps show routes which helps travellers, pilots and tourists to reach their destinations.
2. Maps show political boundaries of different geographical units like villages, districts, regions, countries.
3. They are very essential in any field of study, as they are used to show settlements, plantations and mines.
4. Maps provide a basis for the study of geographical problems. E.g. floods, soil degradation.
5. They provide much information on the nature and distribution of geographical phenomena. Example, settlements, population.
6. Maps are used in various projects, like land use planning, roads and railway.
7. They provide valuable data for statistical analysis.
8. Map are used in weather forecasting, as they use weather pattern maps.
9. Maps are used in military activities such as location of military camps, military traps and bridges.
LIMITATIONS OF USING MAP ON GEOGRAPHICAL STUDIES
i. Maps are selective; because not all land information may be shown on a map.
ii. Maps are very expensive to produce.
iii. Maps are conventional, i.e. they represent land information by means of convectional symbols and signs.
iv. Some maps provide outdated information.
v. Preparation of map takes so long period of time
TYPES OF MAPS
There are two main types of maps prepared according to purpose, namely topographical and statistical maps.
A. TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPS
♥ Are maps which show both man-made and natural features. Man-made features are sometimes called cultural features.
♥ They show physical features including both natural and manmade features such as mountains, valleys, oceans, hills, roads, rivers, swamps, buildings and vegetation like forests.
B. STATISTICAL MAPS/ DISTRIBUTION MAPS
These are maps which provide quantitative information.
Thy show distribution of different aspects such as temperature, rainfall, settlement and vegetation. For example; dot maps, isoline maps and choropleth maps.
PURPOSES OF A MAP
1. To provide information on the existence, the location and the distance between ground features.
2. To indicate variations in terrain, heights of natural features and the extent of vegetation cover.
ASPECTS OF MAP
1. Map reading:
– It is an act of recognizing or identifying natural and man-made features and their spatial relationship on a map.
2. Map interpretation:
– It is a process of examining a given topographical map of an area for the purpose of identifying its geographical information.
– It involves assessing things like climate, relief, drainage, economic activities, mode of transport and vegetation distribution.
– Map reading and interpretation involves skills such as measuring distances, calculating areas, reading grid reference systems, positions, interpreting contour lines and direction.
3. Map analysis:
– It is the process of working out the relationship of the identified geographical information with others which have not directly been shown in the map.
– It involves both map interpretation and map reading.
A person who creates and makes maps is called a cartographer.
IMPORTANCE OF MAPS TO GEOGRAPHERS
1. Maps show routes which helps travellers, pilots and tourists to reach their destinations.
2. Maps show political boundaries of different geographical units like villages, districts, regions, countries.
3. They are very essential in any field of study, as they are used to show settlements, plantations and mines.
4. Maps provide a basis for the study of geographical problems. E.g. floods, soil degradation.
5. They provide much information on the nature and distribution of geographical phenomena. Example, settlements, population.
6. Maps are used in various projects, like land use planning, roads and railway.
7. They provide valuable data for statistical analysis.
8. Map are used in weather forecasting, as they use weather pattern maps.
9. Maps are used in military activities such as location of military camps, military traps and bridges.
LIMITATIONS OF USING MAP ON GEOGRAPHICAL STUDIES
i. Maps are selective; because not all land information may be shown on a map.
ii. Maps are very expensive to produce.
iii. Maps are conventional, i.e. they represent land information by means of convectional symbols and signs.
iv. Some maps provide outdated information.
v. Preparation of map takes so long period of time
TYPES OF MAPS
There are two main types of maps prepared according to purpose, namely topographical and statistical maps.
A. TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPS
♥ Are maps which show both man-made and natural features. Man-made features are sometimes called cultural features.
♥ They show physical features including both natural and manmade features such as mountains, valleys, oceans, hills, roads, rivers, swamps, buildings and vegetation like forests.
B. STATISTICAL MAPS/ DISTRIBUTION MAPS
These are maps which provide quantitative information.
Thy show distribution of different aspects such as temperature, rainfall, settlement and vegetation. For example; dot maps, isoline maps and choropleth maps.
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