The Globe and Maps – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

A globe is more accurate than a map because it represents the Earth in its true three-dimensional form, just like the actual planet. Here’s why:

• Shape: A globe shows the Earth’s spherical shape, while a map is flat and distorts the shapes of landmasses, especially near the poles.
• Scale: Distances and sizes on a globe are proportional to reality, whereas maps stretch or shrink areas to fit on a flat surface.
• Direction: A globe correctly shows directions (like North, South, East, West) between places, unlike some maps where directions can be misleading.

However, globes are not as portable or detailed as maps, which is why both are useful in different ways.

A political map and a physical map serve different purposes:

• Political Map: Shows boundaries of countries, states, and cities. For example, a political map of India will display state borders like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and capital cities like New Delhi.
• Physical Map: Focuses on natural features like mountains, rivers, and plains. For example, a physical map of India will highlight the Himalayas, Ganges River, and Thar Desert.

While a political map helps us understand administrative divisions, a physical map teaches us about the Earth’s natural landscape.

To find the scale of the map, we use the formula:
Scale = Map Distance / Actual Distance
Here, Map Distance = 5 cm, Actual Distance = 500 km (which is 50,000,000 cm).
So, Scale = 5 cm / 50,000,000 cm = 1:10,000,000.

Scale is important because:

• It helps us understand how much the real world has been reduced to fit on the map.
• It allows us to measure actual distances between places accurately.
• Different scales are used for different purposes—small-scale maps show large areas with less detail, while large-scale maps show smaller areas with more detail.

The Equator is a crucial reference line because it divides the Earth into two equal halves: the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. Here’s how it helps in locating places:

• Latitude Measurement: The Equator serves as the starting point (0°) for measuring latitude. Locations north of it are marked with 'N' (e.g., 30°N), and those south are marked with 'S' (e.g., 30°S).
• Climate Zones: It helps identify climate regions, as areas near the Equator are generally hotter (tropical), while those farther away are cooler.
• Navigation: Sailors and pilots use the Equator as a reference to determine their position and plan routes accurately.

For instance, knowing that Delhi is at 28°N tells us it’s north of the Equator and has a warmer climate compared to places near the poles.

Political maps and physical maps serve different purposes. Here are their key differences and uses:

• Political Map:
  Shows borders of countries, states, and cities.
  Uses colors to distinguish different regions.
  Helpful for understanding administrative divisions, like which state a city belongs to.
• Physical Map:
  Displays natural features like mountains, rivers, and plains.
  Uses shades or colors to show elevation (e.g., green for plains, brown for mountains).
  Useful for studying landforms and planning trips to natural sites.

For example, a political map will show Maharashtra as a separate state, while a physical map will highlight the Western Ghats running through it.

A globe is considered more accurate than a map because it represents the Earth in its true spherical shape, just like the real planet. Here’s why:

• Shape: The globe shows the correct round shape of the Earth, while maps are flat and often distort the shapes of continents or oceans.
• Distance and Direction: On a globe, distances and directions between places are measured accurately, unlike on maps, where they may get stretched or compressed.
• Size: The globe maintains the correct proportions of land and water bodies, whereas maps may exaggerate or shrink certain areas.

Thus, a globe helps us visualize the Earth more realistically than a map.

Political maps use different colors to represent different states, countries, or regions to make them easily distinguishable. Here’s what they help us understand:

• Boundaries: Colors clearly show the borders between states, countries, or other administrative divisions.
• Identification: Each color helps quickly identify a specific state or country without confusion.
• Capital Cities: These maps often mark capital cities with special symbols, helping us locate important places.

For example, in a political map of India, each state is colored differently, making it simple to recognize them. This helps students like Aarav learn about states and their locations easily.

Here are three key differences between a physical map and a political map:

• Purpose: A physical map shows natural features like mountains, rivers, and deserts, while a political map shows human-made boundaries like countries and states.
• Colors: In a physical map, colors represent elevation (e.g., green for plains, brown for mountains), whereas in a political map, colors differentiate regions or countries.
• Details: A physical map focuses on landforms and water bodies, while a political map highlights cities, capitals, and borders.

By comparing these maps, Priya can understand both the natural and political divisions of the world.

The Equator is an important imaginary line on the globe because it divides the Earth into two equal halves: the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.

Here’s why it is significant:

• It is the 0° latitude line, serving as a reference point for measuring other latitudes.
• Regions near the Equator receive direct sunlight year-round, making them generally warmer (e.g., countries like Brazil and Indonesia).
• It helps in understanding climate zones, as areas close to the Equator usually have tropical climates.

Without the Equator, it would be harder to study weather patterns or locate places accurately on the globe.

A political map and a physical map serve different purposes:

• Political Map: Shows human-made boundaries like countries, states, and cities. For example, it displays India’s borders with Pakistan or the capital cities like Delhi.
• Physical Map: Focuses on natural features like mountains, rivers, and plains. For instance, it highlights the Himalayas or the Ganges River.

While a political map helps us understand administrative divisions, a physical map teaches us about the Earth’s natural landscape. Both are essential for different types of studies.

To find the scale of the map, we use the formula:
Scale = Map Distance / Actual Distance.

Here, Map Distance = 5 cm, Actual Distance = 500 km (which is 50,000,000 cm).

So, Scale = 5 cm / 50,000,000 cm = 1:10,000,000.

Scales are important because:

• They help us understand the real-world size of places shown on a map.
• They allow us to measure distances accurately without traveling.
• Different maps (e.g., world maps vs. city maps) use different scales to show details clearly.

Without scales, maps would be confusing and less useful for navigation or planning.