Map Definition and Characteristics

Map Definition and Characteristics

• A map is a graphical representation of a part of the earth's surface in the correct positions relative to a coordinate reference system at an established scale.
• Maps are always smaller in size than the environment they represent.
• The reduction in size is expressed in terms of map scale, which represents the relationship between distance on the map and corresponding ground distance.

Map Scale

• Map scale can be expressed in statement scale or ratio form.
• It represents the relationship between distance on the map and corresponding ground distance.

Topographic Map

• A Topographic Map is a detailed and accurate illustration of natural and man-made features on the ground.
• Features represented on a topographic map include:
  • Water bodies (rivers, lakes, etc.)
  • Forest areas
  • Urban and settlement areas
  • Roads
  • Railways
  • Power transmission lines
  • Contours
  • Elevations
  • Other human-made features
• A topographic map is a two-dimensional representation of the earth's three-dimensional landscapes.

Topographic Map Construction Elements

• Colors are used to represent different features on a topographic map.
• Classes of features, lines, symbols, letters, and numbers are used to represent different information on a topographic map.
• Map scale is a major element of topographic map construction.

Map Definition and Characteristics

• A map is a graphical representation of a part of the earth's surface in the correct positions relative to a coordinate reference system at an established scale.
• Maps are always smaller in size than the environment they represent.
• The reduction in size is expressed in terms of map scale, which represents the relationship between distance on the map and corresponding ground distance.

Map Scale

• Map scale can be expressed in statement scale or ratio form.
• It represents the relationship between distance on the map and corresponding ground distance.

Topographic Map

• A Topographic Map is a detailed and accurate illustration of natural and man-made features on the ground.
• Features represented on a topographic map include:
  • Water bodies (rivers, lakes, etc.)
  • Forest areas
  • Urban and settlement areas
  • Roads
  • Railways
  • Power transmission lines
  • Contours
  • Elevations
  • Other human-made features
• A topographic map is a two-dimensional representation of the earth's three-dimensional landscapes.

Topographic Map Construction Elements

• Colors are used to represent different features on a topographic map.
• Classes of features, lines, symbols, letters, and numbers are used to represent different information on a topographic map.
• Map scale is a major element of topographic map construction.

Understand the basics of maps, including their graphical representation, scale, and relationship to the environment. Learn about map scale, statement scale, and ratio scale.