Maps and Technology to Know the Earth Class 7 Notes Questions and Answers Social Chapter 9

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Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 Maps and Technology to Know the Earth Notes Questions and Answers

Maps and Technology to Know the Earth Class 7 Notes Pdf

Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Question 1.
The pictures of a globe and a map are given below. Observe them and identify the differences between the two based on the given indicators. (Indicators: Shape,Latitudes/Longitudes, Use)

Answer:

Indicator	Globe	Map
Shape	Spherical, three-dimensional model of the Flat, Earth.	Flat, two-dimensional representation of the Earth.
Latitudes/longitudes	Shows accurate latitudes and longitudes in Latitudes and longitudes may be their true positions and proportions.	Latitudes/longitudes may be distorted due to the flattening of the Earth onto a flat surface.
Use	Used for a general, accurate representation of the entire Earth and global spatial relationships.	Used for detailed study of specific areas, navigation, and for easy portability and accessibility.

Question 2.
Some major characteristics of globes and maps are given below. Classify and list them as ‘characteristics of globes’ and ‘characteristics of maps.’
(a real model of the earth, two-dimensional image of the earth, spherical representation of the earth, representation of the whole earth or a portion of it on a plain surface, gives a comprehensive visual sense of the earth as it is illustrated completely, latitudes and longitudes are illustrated as straight lines, longitudinal lines are illustrated as semicircles and latitudinal lines are illustrated as concentric circles, very useful for collecting information of a specific place and for planning the route for a trip.)
Answer:

Characteristics of globes	Characteristics of maps
a real model of the earth	two-dimensional image of the earth
spherical representation of the earth	representation of the whole earth or a portion of it on a plain surface
gives a comprehensive visual sense of the earth as it is illustrated completely	latitudes and longitudes are illustrated as straight lines
longitudinal lines are illustrated as semicircles and latitudinal lines are illustrated as concentric circles	very useful for collecting information of a specific place and for planning the route for a trip

Question 3.
Classify and list the following maps as physical maps and cultural maps. (physiographic map, soil map, climate map, vegetation map, river map, political map, population map, economic map, transportation map)
Answer:

Physical maps	Cultural maps
physiographic map, soil map, climate map, vegetation map, river map	political map, population map, economic map, transportation map

Question 4.
Columns A and B give the various features on the surface of the earth and the names of the maps on which they are depicted. Connect them with lines.
Answer:

Question 5.
Examine an atlas and find out different types of maps and identify their characteristics.
Answer:

• Political Map- Shows boundaries of countries, states, cities, and capitals, Depicts political divisions without detailed physical features.
• Historical Map- Focuses on past events, such as territorial boundaries, trade routes, and military campaigns, Useful for understanding historical geography and the development of human societies.
• Land Use Map- Shows how land is being used in a given area and helps in urban planning, zoning, and land conservation efforts.
• Vegetation Map -Shows the distribution of different types of vegetation like forests, grasslands, and deserts, Useful in environmental and ecological studies.

Question 6.
Observe the maps in your Social Science lab and find out and write their scales.
Answer:
(Hint)

Question 7.
Identify the differences between large-scale and small-scale maps and prepare a note.
Answer:
Large-scale maps and small-scale maps differ mainly in the amount of detail they show and the area they cover. Large-scale maps represent smaller areas in greater detail, with features like streets, buildings, and landmarks clearly visible. They are typically used for city maps or neighbourhood plans. Small-scale maps, on the other hand, cover larger areas with less detail, making them ideal for showing entire countries, continents, or the world. These maps give a broad overview, focusing on general locations rather than specific features. In summary, large-scale maps are detailed for small areas, while small-scale maps provide an overview for larger regions.

Question 8.
Download the maps of panchayats or municipalities and topographical maps with the help of information technology. Based on the scale compare and classify the maps in your Social Science labs, the maps in the atlas and the maps you have downloaded.
Answer:
(Hints)

• Download Panchayats/municipalities and topographical maps (Use Google map or Bhuvan).
• Compare and Classify Maps Based on Scale:
  • Maps in Your Social Science Lab – Shows local areas with medium-scale or large-scale.
  • Maps in the Atlas – Provide an overview of larger regions.
  • Panchayat/Municipality Maps – Medium-scale with details of local features such as roads, buildings, and local landmarks.
  • Topographical Maps – Typically large-scale, showing detailed land features.

Question 9.
Observe the maps in the Social Science lab and identify the relation between the content and the title.
Answer:
The content of a map is directly related to its title, as the title indicates the main theme or focus of the information displayed. For example, a “Political Map” will show country boundaries, capitals, and major cities, emphasising political divisions. A “Physical Map,” however, highlights natural features like mountains, rivers, and plains, focusing on the landforms rather than human-made boundaries. The title of each map guides viewers on what kind of information to expect, helping them understand whether it will cover geographical features, population density, climate zones, or economic activities. This relation between title and content ensures that the map serves its intended purpose clearly and effectively.

Question 10.
Observe maps and find out the scales written as statements.
Answer:
1 cm = 1 km, 1 inch = 10 miles etc.

Question 11.
What is meant by the Representative Fraction, RF = 1:200000. Let’s try to write it.
Answer:
RF 1:200000, which means that 1 unit in the map (such as 1 centimetre, inch, or any other measurement) is equal to 200000 units on the surface of the earth. So, if you measure 1 cm on the map, it represents 200,000 cm (or 2 km) on the surface of the earth.

Question 12.
Find out and write the Representative Fractions (RF) observing the maps.
Answer:
1:900000, 1:500000 etc

Question 13.
Examine the following sketch and complete the table.

Answer:

Geographical Information	Directions
In which direction of the playground is the school building located?	North
In which direction of the school building is the water tank located?	West
To which direction you should move from the school building to reach the toilet?	East
In which part of the water tank is the well located?	South

Question 14.
Given aside is a sketch that depicts the geographical information using different colours and signs. Examine the sketch, identify the colours and signs that represent each geographical area and mark them in the table given below.

Answer:

Question 15.
Observe the map of India and find out between which lines of latitude and longitude India is located.
Answer:
India is situated in the continent of Asia. It lies completely in the Northern hemisphere and Eastern hemisphere between latitudes 8°4’N and 37°6’N and longitudes 68°7’E and 97°25’E.

Question 16.
With the help of ICT, identify the different purposes for which GPS is used in day-to-day life.
Answer:
Navigation, Travel and Tourism, Emergency Services, Agriculture, Fitness and Sports.

Extended Activities

Question 1.
Prepare a sketch of your school and illustrate the details of it using colours and signs.
Answer:
(Hints)

• Draw the outline of the school building.
• Add Key Details (Buildings, Playground, Trees/Plants, Paths and Roads).
• Use Colors and signs.
• Label the Areas.

Question 2.
Collect different types of physical and cultural maps with the help of ICT and prepare a digital album.
Answer:

Question 3.
Collect information on the achievements of ISRO in various remote sensing areas and prepare a wallpaper. Don’t forget to include it in your Social Science Observation Book.
Answer:
(Hints) Prepare a wallpaper by elaborating the given achievements.

• Design the Wallpaper:
  • Background: Use a satellite image of Earth.
  • Main Title: “ISRO’s Achievements in Remote Sensing”.
  • Include icons/Images.
• Achievements of ISRO in Remote Sensing:
  • First Indian Satellite (Aryabhata).
  • INSAT (Indian National Satellite System).
  • IRS (Indian Remote Sensing Satellites).
  • GSAT and GISAT Satellites.
  • International Collaboration.

Class 7 Social Science Maps and Technology to Know the Earth Notes Questions and Answers

Question 1.
What is the main purpose of a map?
Answer:
Maps are made by representing the whole earth or a portion of it on a plain surface. Such plain surfaces on which the earth is partially or completely depicted are called maps. We can use maps for Weather Forecasting, Disaster Management, to locate a place, find the route to a destination. scientifically, and understand the geographical features.

Question 2.
What are thematic maps?
Answer:
The maps that focus on a particular topic or specific theme are called Thematic Maps.

Question 3.
What is the difference between Physical and Cultural Maps?
Answer:
Physical Maps – Maps that depict natural features of a region, such as topography, soil, rivers, climate and vegetation.
Cultural Maps – Maps that depict man-made features or cultural features.

Question 4.
Why is it important to use different maps for different geographical features?
Answer:
Different maps are used for representing different geographical features. The information of both different maps, when brought together, will create confusion, making data collection complex. That is why major geographical features are depicted on different maps.

Question 5.
Give examples of maps classified by their function.
Answer:
Political Map, Soil Map, Historical Map.

Question 6.
What is the scale of a map?
Answer:
The ratio between the actual distance on earth and the distance marked on maps is the scale of a map.

Question 7.

Explain the classification of Maps based on Scale with examples.
Answer:
large-scale maps – depicts more information about a small area. For e.g., topographical map, village map
small-scale maps – depicts only less information of an area for e.g., World Map, Map of India, Map of Kerala

Question 8.
What is map reading?
Answer:
Finding or collecting information by examining maps is called map reading.

Question 9.
What is the importance of the title on a map?
Answer:
The title indicates the specific content of the map.

Question 10.
What is the scale of a map?
Answer:
Scale is the ratio between the distance of two places on the ground and the corresponding distance of the same places on the map.

Question 11.
What are the three methods used to record the scale on a map?
Answer:
Statement of scale, Representative Fraction, Linear Scale.

Question 12.
Why are conventional colours and symbols used in maps?
Answer:
People from all countries can read maps made in any country without confusion if we use internationally accepted colours and signs. These colours and signs are used on maps where man- made and natural phenomena are represented together.

Question 13.
Match the Colours/Signs with their Features.

Answer:

Question 14.
What is remote sensing?
Answer:
Collecting information on an object, region or a phenomenon from a distance without direct contact with the help of devices is called remote sensing.

Question 15.
Name three types of platforms used in remote sensing.
Answer:
Balloons, Aeroplanes, Artificial satellites.

Question 16.
Remote Sensing can be classified into three. Which are they? Explain.
Answer:
Terrestrial Remote Sensing – The method by which the geographical features are copied using cameras from the ground level.
Aerial Remote Sensing – The method by which the photographs of geographical areas are copied with the help of a camera fixed on an aeroplane.
Satellite Remote Sensing – The process by which the information on geographical areas are collected using platforms fixed on artificial satellites.

Question 17.
What is the difference between GIS and GPS?
Answer:
A software based computer technology is used to make such products after analysing geographical information. This technology is known as Geographic Information System (GIS). Technology that identifies the location of an aeroplane, its altitude, direction and the time taken to reach a destination accurately is known as Global Positioning System (GPS).

Question 18.
Write any three benefits of GIS.
Answer:
Transport, Irrigation, Education.

Question 19.
Explain the working of GIS.
Answer:

Question 20.
How does GPS technology assist in tracking moving objects?
Answer:
GPS calculates the location, direction of movement, speed, and time taken for moving objects like vehicles, aeroplanes, and ships.

Std 7 Social Science Maps and Technology to Know the Earth Notes

• Plain surfaces on which the earth is partially or completely depicted are called maps.
• Maps can be classified based on two factors: The function of the map and the scale on which maps are made.
• Maps can generally be classified into two based on their functions: Physical Maps and Cultural Maps.
• The maps that focus on a particular topic or specific theme are called Thematic Maps. Classification of Maps Based on Scale are large-scale maps and small-scale maps. Finding or collecting information examining maps is called map reading.
• The factors that help in map reading are Title, Scale, Direction, Latitude and Longitude, Conventional colours/symbols, and Index.
• Statement of Scale, Representative Fraction and Linear Scale are the three methods used to record the scale on a map.
• Remote sensing, Geographic Information System, and Global Positioning System are the modern techniques of geographical study.
• Collecting information on an object, region or a phenomenon from a distance without direct contact with the help of devices is called remote sensing.
• A software based computer technology is used to make such products after analysing geographical information.
• This technology is known as Geographic Information System.
• Technology that identifies the location of an aeroplane, its altitude, direction and the time taken to reach a destination accurately is known as Global Positioning System.