Complete Information on Topography

Complexity of the Subject

• Geography is a complex subject and it requires understanding a lot of details.
• A special ebook is available which can be helpful with notes and MCQs.

Definition of Map

• Map: A drawing of the earth's surface that depicts countries, rivers, mountains, roads, etc.
• Topographical Map: A two-dimensional representation of the land surface in three dimensions.

Study of Topographical Map

• Grids: Seen as square shapes on the map with proper numbering.
• Northings and Eastings are used for directions.

Scale and Representative Fraction

• Scale: The ratio of distance on the map to the actual distance on land.
• Representative Fraction: The ratio of distance on the map to distance on land.

Grid Reference

• Four figure and six figure grid references are used for precise location identification.

Contours and Slopes

• Contours: Lines on the map that depict mountains and valleys.
• Slope Identification: Gentle and steep slopes are identified by the distance between these lines.

Triangulated Height and Spot Height

• Triangulated Height: Measurement of height through contour interval.
• Spot Height: To show the exact height of any point.

Color Tints and Features

• Blue: For water sources.
• Black: For dry water bodies and boundaries.
• Green: For forest areas.
• Red: For settlements and roads.
• Yellow: For cultivable land.
• Brown: For contours and sand dunes.

Distance Calculation

• Direct Method: Measuring straight distance using a ruler.
• Indirect Method: Measuring distance according to the route using thread and a ruler.

Area Calculation

• Measurement of area through grids.

Direction Finding

• Identification of direction through cardinal directions.

Settlement and Drainage Pattern

• Nucleated, radial, dispersed, and linear settlement patterns.
• Radial, dendritic, trellised, and disappearing drainage patterns.

Identification of River Flow and Banks

• The flow of the river is from high land to low land.
• Identification of river banks as right and left banks.

Natural and Man-Made Features

• Man-Made: Settlements, roads, railways, etc.
• Natural: Forests, streams, rivers, etc.

Occupational Pattern

• Identification of human activities in various areas, such as agriculture, fishery, etc.

Important Terms

• Use of various symbols and terms like brick kiln, causeway, brackish, etc.

Conventional Symbols

• Symbols used for various government and civilian structures.

Through all these points, a complete study of topography has been conducted.