Question

What is a limitation of any map?

Answer 1

Limitations of Maps

• Maps are two-dimensional so the disadvantage is that world maps distort shape, size, distance, and direction.
• The Cartographer’s bias: A map tends to reflect the reality it wants to show.
• All maps have distortions because it is impossible to represent a three-dimensional object

Features of Map

1. There are three Components of Maps – distance, direction and symbol.
2. A map’s scale indicates the relationship between the distances on the map and the actual distances on Earth.
3. Scale is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the distance shown on the map.
4. When large areas like continents or countries are to be shown on a paper, then we use a small scale.
5. Cartographers use symbols to represent geographic features in map. Maps have a universal language that can be understood by all. There is an international agreement regarding the use of these symbols. These are called conventional symbols.
6. Most maps contain an arrow marked with the letter ‘N’ at the upper right hand corner.

Cartography

1. Cartography, the art and science of graphically representing a geographical area, usually on a flat surface such as a map or chart.
2. It may involve the superimposition of political, cultural, or other non geographical divisions onto the representation of a geographical area.