Social Science · Class 3
Maps and Globes
Learn Maps and Globes with notes, examples, and practice questions.
4 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples
Chapter Overview
Maps and globes are tools to study the Earth. NCERT introduces the globe as a model of Earth, latitudes and longitudes, and how maps represent places using scale, symbols, and directions.
Globe vs Map
- Globe: 3D model of Earth; shows true shape
- Map: flat drawing; easier to carry
- Both use scale to shrink real distances
Latitudes and Longitudes
- Equator: 0° latitude — divides Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres
- Prime Meridian: 0° longitude — Greenwich, UK
- Parallels run east-west; meridians run north-south
Map Elements
- Title, scale, direction arrow, legend/key
- Physical maps show relief; political maps show boundaries
- Thematic maps show one theme (rainfall, population)
Solved Examples
Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.
Hemispheres
India lies mostly in which two hemispheres?
- 1India is north of equator → Northern Hemisphere
- 2India is east of Prime Meridian → Eastern Hemisphere
Answer
Northern and Eastern Hemispheres
Scale
Map scale 1 cm = 10 km. Two towns 5 cm apart on map — real distance?
- 15 × 10 km = 50 km
Answer
50 km
Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Globe shows Earth as a sphere; maps are flat representations
- ✓ Equator and Prime Meridian are reference lines
- ✓ Scale converts map distance to ground distance
Exam Tips
- • Label equator and Prime Meridian on a globe diagram
- • Distinguish physical and political maps
- • Calculate distance using scale
Practice MCQs — Maps and Globes
Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.
Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0
0° latitude is called: