Social Science The Earth Our Habitat Class 6 Chapter 4 Questions and Answers - Free PDF Download
FAQs on NCERT Solutions For Class 6 Social Science The Earth Our Habitat Chapter 4 Maps - 2025-26
1. What are the three components of a map as explained in NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 4?
The NCERT solutions for Chapter 4 explain that the three essential components of a map are distance, direction, and symbol. These elements work together to ensure that a map is an accurate and useful representation of a place.
2. How does a globe differ from a map, and why are maps often more useful for studying a specific region?
A globe is a true, three-dimensional model of the Earth, showing the correct shape and size of continents and oceans. However, it cannot show detailed information for a small area. A map is a two-dimensional, flat representation of the Earth's surface. Maps are often more useful because they can be drawn to different scales to show a small area like a town or a district in great detail, which is impossible on a globe.
3. According to the CBSE 2025-26 syllabus, what are the different types of maps discussed in Chapter 4?
The NCERT solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 4 discuss three main types of maps:
- Physical Maps: These show natural features of the earth like mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, and oceans.
- Political Maps: These show the boundaries of cities, towns, villages, states, and countries.
- Thematic Maps: These focus on specific themes or information, such as rainfall patterns, road networks, forest distribution, or industries.
4. What is the difference between a large-scale map and a small-scale map? Which one would you use for a village plan?
The primary difference is the level of detail they provide:
- A small-scale map is used to show vast areas like continents or countries on one sheet of paper, so it contains less detail.
- A large-scale map is used to show a small area, such as a village or a town, and provides much more detail.
For a village plan, you would use a large-scale map because it can show specific features like the location of schools, community halls, and wells.
5. How do you find the four cardinal directions on a map using the North line?
Most maps feature an arrow marked with the letter ‘N’ in the upper right-hand corner. This is the North line, and it indicates the north direction. Once you identify north, you can easily determine the other three cardinal directions: south is directly opposite north, east is to your right, and west is to your left.
6. Why are conventional symbols considered a universal language for maps?
Conventional symbols are standard symbols used on maps internationally to represent features like railways, roads, bridges, and temples. They are called a universal language because they have an agreed-upon meaning worldwide. This allows anyone, regardless of their native language, to read and understand the information presented on a map accurately.
7. How do the components of distance, direction, and symbol work together to provide accurate information on a map?
The three components function as a system to make a map useful. Distance, represented by the scale, translates the map distance to actual ground distance. Direction, indicated by the north line, orients the map correctly and shows where features are in relation to one another. Symbols provide a quick visual key to identify real-world features on the ground. Together, they turn a simple drawing into a precise navigational and informational tool.
8. Why is a 'plan' different from a 'map', even though both are drawings of an area?
A 'plan' differs from a 'map' mainly due to scale and the level of detail. A plan is a highly detailed drawing of a very small area, such as a single building or a room, created on a very large scale. It can show precise measurements, like the length and breadth of a classroom. A map, however, represents a much larger area and uses a smaller scale, meaning it must omit such fine details.
