NCERT Class 11 Geography Pratical Work in Geography: Chapter 5 — Topographical Maps
This chapter introduces topographical maps, essential geographic tools prepared by national mapping organizations like the Survey of India. These general-purpose maps are drawn at large scales and depict significant natural and cultural features such as relief, vegetation, water bodies, settlements, and transportation networks. Topographical maps are published in series, maintaining consistent reference points, scales, projections, and symbols. India utilizes two main series: the India and Adjacent Countries Series and the International Map Series of the World. The chapter also touches upon methods of relief representation, defining contours, contour intervals, cross-sections, hachures, and topographic maps themselves, emphasizing their role in showing surface features through contours. Understanding the legend, conventional signs, and colors is key to reading these maps effectively, aiding students in their CBSE geography studies.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Geography |
| Book | Pratical Work in Geography |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Topographical Maps |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 315 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the definition and importance of topographical maps.
- Identify the key features shown on topographical maps.
- Recognize the different series and scales used for topographical maps in India.
- Learn about methods of representing relief, including contours and hachures.
- Familiarize with conventional signs and symbols used in map reading.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Contours | Imaginary lines joining all the points of equal elevation or altitude above mean sea level. |
| Contour Interval | Interval between two successive contours, also known as vertical interval (V.I.). |
| Cross-section | A side view of the ground cut vertically along a straight line; also known as a section or profile. |
| Hachures | Small straight lines drawn on the map along the direction of maximum slope, running across the contours. |
| Topographic Map | A map of a small area drawn on a large scale depicting detailed surface features, both natural and man-made, with relief shown by contours. |
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Practice questions
- What are topographical maps also known as? Answer: Topographical maps are also known as general purpose maps.
- Who prepares topographical maps in India? Answer: The Survey of India prepares the topographical maps in India.
- What is the primary method of showing relief on a topographic map? Answer: Relief in a topographic map is shown by contours.
- Define Contour Interval. Answer: Contour Interval is the interval between two successive contours, also known as vertical interval (V.I.).
Practice MCQs
Q1. Topographical maps are drawn at relatively ______ scales.
Explanation: Topographical maps are characterized by being drawn at relatively large scales to show detailed features of a small area.
Q2. Which organization prepares topographical maps in India?
Explanation: The Survey of India is responsible for preparing and publishing topographical maps for the entire country.
Q3. What do contours represent on a topographical map?
Explanation: Contours are imaginary lines that connect points of equal elevation or altitude above mean sea level.
Q4. The International Map Series of the World is designed to produce standardized maps on a scale of:
Explanation: The International Map Series of the World standardizes maps for global use at scales of 1:10,00,000 and 1:250,000.
Q5. Hachures are used to indicate:
Explanation: Hachures are small lines drawn along the direction of maximum slope to give an idea about the steepness of the ground.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main purpose of topographical maps?
Topographical maps serve as base maps and are used to draw other maps, showing important natural and cultural features of an area in detail.
What are the two main series of topographical maps in India?
The two main series are the India and Adjacent Countries Series and the International Map Series of the World.
How is relief represented on topographical maps?
Relief is primarily represented using contours, which are lines joining points of equal elevation. Hachures are also used to indicate slope.
What does a contour interval represent?
A contour interval represents the constant vertical distance between two successive contour lines on a map.
Why is it important to understand conventional signs and symbols on topographical maps?
Understanding conventional signs and symbols is crucial for accurately interpreting the features and information depicted on topographical maps.
What is the scale of maps in the International Map Series of the World?
Maps in the International Map Series of the World are designed on a scale of 1:10,00,000 and 1:250,000.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Geography — Pratical Work in Geography — Chapter 5 — Topographical Maps. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.