Page 20 - Geography_n_Environment

Characteristics of good maps

A good map should have the following characteristics:

(a) It should be easy to read and interpret;

(b) it should include all the essential elements of a map, such as
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
scale, frame, source, key, grid lines, title, and North direction;

(c) it should represent the actual places, and distances, as well as
place objects correctly;

(d) it should use clear colours and neat writing to help users
understand it better;

(e) it should only show the information that is needed for specific

purpose;
(f) it should use the same symbols, colours, and styles consistently

across the map for easy understanding; and

(g) it should have the up to date information so that everything
shown is correct.

Importance of maps

A map is like a guidebook for the world, helping us learning by
explore, and understand the places around us. Therefore, a map is
an important tool used by people in various contexts. The following
are some key reasons for using maps:

(a) To find and learn about places, even if we have never been

there before;
(b) to know distances from one place to another;

(c) to know the right direction to take to reach our destination, such
as North, South, East, or West;

(d) to plan our travels by showing the best roads, shortcuts, and
interesting places we might see along the way;
(e) to understand different features in our environment, such as

mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests;
(f) to help during emergencies like fires and floods by guiding

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