INTRODUCTION TO MAP READING

Map reading aspect of geography is often referred to as Practical Geography. Map work or map reading involves the ability to recognize conventional signs on a map and using the signs to interpret the map. A map is a representation of the earth’s surface as it is seen from above on a paper. A large area of land e.g. town, village or even a whole country can be represented on one page of paper.

Maps are of different types. They include (i) Topographical Maps (ii) Atlas Maps (iii) Plan Maps and (iv) Sketch Maps

MAP SCALE

The Scale of a map indicates the relationship between the distance of two points on a map and the actual distance on the ground. That is, map scale is the ratio, proportion or relationship between measurement on the map and the actual measurement on the ground.  If the scale of a map is 2cm to 1km, it means that two centimeters on a map represent one kilometer on the ground.

TYPES OF SCALE

We have three types of scale. They include Statement scale, Linear scale and Representative scale.

1. A) Statement Scale

This is a scale that is given in form of a statement and figures e.g 1cm to 2km (means 1cm on the map represents 2km on ground), 2cm to 1km (means 2cm on map is equal to 1km on ground).

Question: If the scale of a map is 2cm to 1km, what is the ground distance if the distance between two towns, on the map is 10cm?

Solution

Map distance = 10cm

Ground distance =?

Map scale = 2cm to 1km

Since 2 cm = 1km

10 x 1 =?

10 x 1 = 2 x x (cross multiply)

10 = 2x

: .x = 10= 5km

2

 Evaluaton Questions:

1. Explain map work.
2. What is a scale?
3. State the types of scale.

4. B) Linear Scale

This is a line drawn to represent the relationship between the distances on the map and that of the actual distance on the ground. Linear scale is divided into two parts: primary divisions and secondary divisions. The primary division is the major division on the right side while the secondary division is the minor division on the left.

HOW TO USE LINEAR SCALE

(i)         Measure the distance between the two places requested on the map either with a ruler or a thread.

(ii)        Take the distance measured in cm or inches to the scale and begin the measurement from the Origin marked zero (0) and stretch it to the right (Primary division). Where it ends represents the distance on the ground either in km or in miles.

(iii)       If the length is longer than the scale, first record the distance where the scale ends and then measure the remaining part again starting from zero (0) to the right and finally mark where the distance ends. Later add the first measurement with the last one.

(iv)       If any fraction is left which is far smaller than the major division, such fraction is taken to the Secondary division starting from zero (0) to the left. This length is finally added to the first.

1. C) Representative Fraction

Here, the scale is expressed in form of a fraction or ratio. Thus, the distance on the map is the numerator and is always one (1) while the denominator stands for the distance on the ground. Both the numerator and the denominator are in the same unit.

E.g. 1: 100,000     1: 50,000     1: 200,000 etc

Note: 1: 100,000 is the same as 1 cm to 1km while 1:50,000 is the same as 2cm to 1km or 1cm to ¹/₂km

How to use Representative Fraction

(i)         Note the two places involved

(ii)        Measure the distance between the two places

(iii)       Relate the distance measured to the scale

Question: If the scale of a map is 1:50,000, What is the ground distance if the distance between two towns on the map is 10cm?

Solution

Map distance = 10cm

Ground distance =?

Map scale = 1:50,000

= 1cm = ½ km

: 10cm = 5km

Ans = 5km

 SIZE OF A SCALE

The size of a scale may be large or small

1. A) Small Scale Map: This shows a large area but cannot include a great amount of details. Only very important features are shown.

The larger the denominator of a scale, the smaller the scale E.g. 1:1,000,000 1: 2,000,000,

1:250,000 etc

1. B) Large Scale Map: This shows a small area but with more details of the area and also important features are shown. The smaller the denominator of a scale, the larger the scale e.g. 1:5,000, 1:250 and 1: 20 etc

General Evaluation Questions

1. What is a map scale?
2. Mention the three types of scale.
3. Scale: 1:25,000 in R.F is equal to……….. in statement?
4. Explain the mode of formation of sedimentary rocks.
5. Give two examples of sedimentary rock.

Arrange the following scales in descending order: 1: 50,000  1:20,000  1: 200

1:3 000,000      1:500,000

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Another name for map reading is___ (a) Map job (b) map work (c) map assignment (d) map shadow
2. One of these is very vital in map reading (a) paper (b) atlas (c) conventional signs (d) pencil
3. 6km to 10km is a type of _____ (a) statement scale (b) representative scale (c) linear scale (d) representative fraction
4. If the scale of a map is 5cm to 2km, what is the ground distance if the distance between two towns on the map is 15cm?(a)  5km (b) 6km (c) 7km (d) 8km

5. Which of these scales is the smallest? (a) 1: 50,000 (b) 1: 25,000 (c) 1: 10,000 (d) 1 : 100,000

THEORY

Convert   (1) 1: 50,000 and (2) 1: 150,000 to statement scales.

 

See also

COMPONENTS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)

WEATHER AND CLIMATE: FULL EXPLANATION

THE ENVIRONMENT – FULL EXPLANATION

LOWLAND (PLAINS) – FULL EXPLANATION

PLATEAUX: Types of Plateau, Tectonic Plateaux, Volcanic or Lava Plateau, Dissected Plateau