CAPF AC 2022 Q61: Geography – Cartography & Map Skills
Which of the following statements about maps are correct?
1. Maps that maintain the true shapes of areas are known as conformal maps.
2. Maps are used to show spatial relationships.
3. Maps cannot show route from one place to another.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 2 and 3 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
What maps can do
How to think: test each statement.
The third one is plainly false: route maps are among the most common maps.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Maps that keep true shapes are conformal maps | Correct | Conformal (orthomorphic) projections keep the shape of small areas |
| 2. Maps show spatial relationships | Correct | They show where things are in relation to one another |
| 3. Maps cannot show a route from one place to another | Wrong | Road maps, rail maps and navigation charts do exactly this |
Types of map projection by property:
| Property kept true | Name |
|---|---|
| Shape | Conformal or orthomorphic (e.g. Mercator) |
| Area | Equal-area or homolographic |
| Distance | Equidistant |
| Direction | Azimuthal |
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It includes 3; maps can show routes.
- (b) Incorrect. It includes 3 and leaves out the true statement 2.
- (c) CORRECT. Statements 1 and 2 are true; statement 3 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false, so all three cannot be right.
Key point
Map projections: conformal (true shape, Mercator), equal-area (true area), equidistant (true distance), azimuthal (true direction). No flat map can keep all properties at once. Mercator: used for navigation, exaggerates areas near the poles.
Remember
Conformal = true shape; maps do show routes.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up conformal (shape) with equal-area maps.
- Missing the word cannot in statement 3.
- Thinking only globes, and not maps, show spatial relationships.
Exam tip
Educated guess: you use a map on your phone every day to find a route. Statement 3 is false, and only (c) leaves it out.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — Practical Work in Geography, Chapter 1: Introduction to Maps and Chapter 4: Map Projections
- NCERT Class VI Geography — The Earth: Our Habitat (Maps)