Geography Branch - Mapwork (Ordinary Level)

 

WHAT IS A MAP?

A map is a representation of part of the Earth's surface and it is drawn to scale (the image above is slightly inaccurate that is why it cannot be regarded as a map).

Standard maps have conventional symbols (these are symbols that were universally agreed upon) which are used to show specific ground features that are represented on maps.

So how are these maps made (since they have to be drawn to scale)?

If you have heard of satellites then you will have an idea of how the images, that are used to make the map, are taken. the images of  parts of the Earth, that are captured above the Earth's surface by planes or satellites, are what we call AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS.

An Aerial Photograph is a picture taken from an aeroplane or from a height above the ground. Note that Aerial Photographs are not maps.

Types of Maps:

There are various types of maps and the different types of maps are specifically designed to suit their unique purposes. These include 

• Topographical Maps - Topography refers to the shape of the land. Topographical maps show the shape of the land as well as some relief features (both natural and man-made features). For example; cliffs, mountains and valleys are depicted by contour lines.
• Navigational Maps - These maps show navigational routes or routes which  can be followed by the following modes of transport: road, air, rail, sea and lake.
• Historical Maps - These maps show places of historical interests and national monuments such as ruins (like Great Zimbabwe, Khame and Nalatale ruins). For example, a Zimbabwean  historical map will show places like: Great Zimbabwe & Masvingo, Chinhoyi and Matopos.
• Administrative Maps - These maps show boundaries of places such as municipalities, districts, provinces, counties, states or countries.

What is Scale

It is the ratio between distance on the map and the corresponding distance on the actual ground. 

What is basically happening is that a scale enables a large area of land to be represented on a small piece of paper or on a screen (like on your smart phone).

Why is a scale so important?

Imagine you are sent on an errand and you absolutely have no idea how you are going to reach your desired destination. What would you do, either call someone who knows the directions or visit a map (considering that you have no time to go astray and you need a detailed description of the shortest path which leads you to your desired destination in less time). You will chose a map because it shows you how you path looks (like the topography) and the exact distance you are going to travel, which is opposed to a person assumptions which can mislead you. Now we have advanced tech which can even show you the best path to take in a matter of seconds without you wasting much of your time to find one. Google provides this service via its Google Earth and Google Maps applications. This is just one example to help you appreciate the importance of drawing to scale.

Understanding the significance and difference between Small and Large Scale Maps

A large scale map depicts a small territory while a small scale map depicts a large territory. A large scale map shows a small area, but it would be more detailed. Basically we're saying, to show the entire country like the United Kingdom or the United Republic of Tanzania (Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania), we would use a small scale map, while a large scale map will be ideal to show a small area such as Disneyland or the site where Dubai Expo 2020 is being held. You will understand better when we look at the types of scales.