A: The scale of a map allows a huge place to be represented on a small piece of paper by showing how much distance on the ground corresponds to a certain length on the map.
Q: What are the four cardinal directions?
A: The four cardinal directions are north, east, south and west.
Q: What is latitude and how is it measured?
A: Latitude measures the distance from the Equator towards the poles. It is expressed in degrees, with the Equator at 0° and the poles at 90°N and 90°S.
Q: What is the Prime Meridian and why is it important?
A: The Prime Meridian is the 0° longitude line that passes through Greenwich, England. It serves as the reference point for measuring longitudes and time zones.
Q: How are latitude and longitude used together?
A: Latitude and longitude together serve as coordinates to precisely locate any place on Earth.
Q: What is the relationship between longitude and time?
A: Each 15° of longitude corresponds to a 1-hour difference in local time. This forms the basis for time zones around the world.
Q: What is the International Date Line and what happens when you cross it?
A: The International Date Line is approximately at 180° longitude. When crossing it eastward, you subtract a day; when crossing westward, you add a day.
Q: What is the difference between a physical map and a political map?
A: A physical map mainly shows natural features such as mountains, oceans, and rivers, while a political map shows details of countries or states, boundaries, cities, etc.
Q: How does latitude relate to climate?
A: Generally, areas around the Equator (0° latitude) have a hot climate. As latitude increases towards the poles, the climate becomes more moderate (temperate), and then cold (frigid) near the poles.
Q: What was India’s ancient prime meridian called and where did it pass through?
A: India’s ancient prime meridian was called madhya rekhā (or ‘middle line’) and it passed through the city of Ujjayinī (modern-day Ujjain).
Q: How many hours ahead is Indian Standard Time (IST) compared to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)?
A: Indian Standard Time is 5 hours and 30 minutes (5.5 hours) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Q: Why aren’t time zone boundaries straight lines on a world map?
A: Time zone boundaries tend to follow international borders to respect each country’s standard time, rather than strictly following longitude lines.
Q: What is an atlas?
A: An atlas is a book or collection of maps.
Q: How many degrees of longitude does the Earth rotate through in one hour?
A: The Earth rotates through 15° of longitude in one hour (360° in 24 hours).
Q: What are grid lines on a globe?
A: Grid lines on a globe are the combined lines of latitude (parallels) and longitude (meridians) that form a grid over the Earth’s surface.
