NCERT Class 11 Geography Pratical Work in Geography: Chapter 4 — Map Projections
This chapter introduces the concept of Map Projections in Geography, explaining what they are and why they are necessary. It defines map projection as the method of transferring the graticule of latitude and longitude onto a plane surface, transforming the spherical network of parallels and meridians. While a globe accurately represents the Earth's shape, size, direction, and distance, it has limitations like being expensive and difficult to carry. Map projections are needed for detailed study of regions and comparing natural areas, which is not feasible on a globe. The chapter highlights that transferring the graticule onto a flat surface inevitably causes distortion in shape, size, or direction. Various methods and types of projections are devised to minimize these distortions, making map projection a crucial tool for creating accurate large-scale maps on flat paper for geographical analysis and navigation.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Geography |
| Book | Pratical Work in Geography |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Map Projections |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 665 |
Learning outcomes
- Define map projection and its purpose.
- Understand the limitations of globes for detailed geographical study.
- Explain the need for map projections in representing the Earth's surface on a plane.
- Recognize that distortion is inevitable in map projections.
- Identify the role of graticules (parallels and meridians) in map projections.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Map projection | The method of transferring the graticule of latitude and longitude on a plane surface. |
| Graticule | The network of parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. |
| Parallels of latitude | Horizontal lines representing latitude on a globe or map. |
| Meridians of longitude | Vertical lines representing longitude on a globe or map. |
| Geoid | The actual shape of the Earth, similar to a sphere. |
| Developable surface | A surface that can be flattened without stretching or tearing, unlike the Earth's spherical surface. |
| Lexodrome or Rhumb Line | A line on Mercator's projection with a constant bearing, useful for navigation. |
| Great Circle | The shortest route between two points on the Earth's surface, used in navigation. |
| Homolographic Projection | An equal-area projection where graticules on the map are equal in area to those on the globe. |
| Orthomorphic Projection | A projection that preserves the correct shape of areas on the Earth's surface. |
The complete chapter text is read in the official NCERT PDF viewer below (streamed from ncert.nic.in). This page provides NCERT Help study material — summary, vocabulary, practice questions, and FAQs — not a full reproduction of the textbook.
Read chapter online
This PDF is loaded from the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in). Use the page buttons below to read — download is disabled on NCERT Help.
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Practice questions
- What is a map projection? Answer: A map projection is the method of transferring the graticule of latitude and longitude onto a plane surface.
- Why is a globe considered the best model of the Earth? Answer: A globe accurately shows the shape and sizes of continents and oceans, and also shows directions and distances very accurately.
- What are the limitations of a globe? Answer: Globes are expensive, cannot be carried everywhere easily, and minor details cannot be shown on them.
- What is the main reason for the need for map projections? Answer: The need for map projections arises to have a detailed study of a region, which is not possible from a globe, and to draw accurate large-scale maps on a flat paper.
- Is distortion inevitable in map projections? Explain. Answer: Yes, distortion is inevitable because the Earth's spherical surface is not a developable surface, meaning it cannot be flattened without distortion.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the primary method of transferring the graticule of latitude and longitude onto a plane surface called?
Explanation: Map projection is the specific term for transferring the Earth's spherical graticule onto a flat surface.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT a limitation of a globe?
Explanation: While a globe is accurate, it cannot represent all areas with the same level of detail or convenience as a map projection for specific purposes.
Q3. The network of parallels and meridians on a globe is called the:
Explanation: The term 'graticule' specifically refers to the network of parallels and meridians.
Q4. Why is distortion unavoidable when transferring a spherical surface to a plane?
Explanation: A developable surface can be flattened without distortion, which is not possible for the Earth's spherical shape.
Q5. A projection that preserves the correct shape of an area is known as:
Explanation: Orthomorphic projections are designed to maintain the correct shape of geographical features.
Q6. What is the shortest route between two points on the Earth's surface called?
Explanation: The Great Circle represents the shortest distance between two points on a sphere.
Frequently asked questions
What is a map projection in Geography?
A map projection is a systematic method used to represent the curved surface of the Earth or a portion of it on a flat plane, by transforming the graticule of latitude and longitude.
Why are map projections necessary?
Map projections are necessary because globes have limitations for detailed study and comparison of regions, and accurate large-scale maps on flat paper are required for geographical analysis.
Can map projections perfectly represent the Earth's surface without any distortion?
No, distortion in some form (shape, size, distance, or direction) is inevitable in map projections because the Earth's spherical surface is not a developable surface.
What is the graticule?
The graticule is the network of parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude that covers the Earth's surface.
What is the difference between a globe and a map projection?
A globe is the best model of the Earth showing accurate shape, size, distance, and direction, but is limited in detail and portability. A map projection represents the Earth on a flat surface, allowing for detail but introducing distortions.
What is an Orthomorphic Projection?
An Orthomorphic Projection is a type of map projection that preserves the correct shape of areas on the Earth's surface.
What is a Great Circle route?
A Great Circle route represents the shortest distance between two points on the Earth's surface and is often used in air and ocean navigation.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Geography — Pratical Work in Geography — Chapter 4 — Map Projections. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.