1. The science of map making is called:
a) Cartography
b) Topography
c) Geography
d) Chorography
Answer: a) Cartography
Explanation: Cartography is the discipline of making maps, including their design, production, and interpretation.
2. The study of relief features on a map is called:
a) Chorography
b) Topography
c) Cartometry
d) Hydrography
Answer: b) Topography
Explanation: Topography refers to the detailed study and representation of natural and artificial features on Earth’s surface.
3. Which type of map shows distribution of population, industries, and crops?
a) Thematic map
b) Political map
c) Physical map
d) Relief map
Answer: a) Thematic map
Explanation: Thematic maps focus on a specific theme, like population, rainfall, or industries.
4. The ratio between distance on the map and distance on the ground is called:
a) Projection
b) Scale
c) Latitude
d) Bearing
Answer: b) Scale
Explanation: Scale indicates how much real-world distance is reduced on a map.
5. A map drawn at a very large scale shows:
a) Less details
b) More details
c) Only global features
d) Only climate
Answer: b) More details
Explanation: Large-scale maps show small areas in great detail, like city plans.
6. A small-scale map represents:
a) A small area with less details
b) A large area with less details
c) A large area with more details
d) A small area with more details
Answer: b) A large area with less details
Explanation: Small-scale maps (like world maps) cover vast areas but with limited details.
7. Which projection is best for navigation because it preserves direction?
a) Conical projection
b) Mercator’s projection
c) Cylindrical equal-area projection
d) Gnomonic projection
Answer: b) Mercator’s projection
Explanation: Mercator projection preserves direction, making it useful for marine navigation.
8. Which type of map projection preserves area but distorts shape?
a) Conformal projection
b) Equal-area projection
c) Azimuthal projection
d) Mercator projection
Answer: b) Equal-area projection
Explanation: Equal-area projections (like Mollweide) preserve size of areas but distort shape.
9. The imaginary line joining points of equal altitude on a map is called:
a) Contour line
b) Isobar
c) Isotherm
d) Isohyet
Answer: a) Contour line
Explanation: Contours are lines joining places of equal elevation above mean sea level.
10. The line joining places of equal rainfall is called:
a) Isohyet
b) Isotherm
c) Isobar
d) Isopleth
Answer: a) Isohyet
Explanation: Isohyets connect places with equal precipitation.
11. Which line connects points of equal pressure on a weather map?
a) Isobar
b) Isohyet
c) Isotherm
d) Contour
Answer: a) Isobar
Explanation: Isobars are used in weather maps to show atmospheric pressure distribution.
12. Which of the following is an example of quantitative map technique?
a) Choropleth map
b) Political map
c) Tourist map
d) Sketch map
Answer: a) Choropleth map
Explanation: Choropleth maps represent statistical data (like population density) using shades or colors.
13. Which method is used to show population density on maps?
a) Choropleth method
b) Isopleth method
c) Dot method
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: Depending on data type, density can be shown using choropleth, isopleth, or dot maps.
14. A dot map is best suited for showing:
a) Relief features
b) Distribution of population or crops
c) Temperature variations
d) Political boundaries
Answer: b) Distribution of population or crops
Explanation: Dot maps show distribution patterns by placing dots proportionally.
15. In topographic maps, brown color represents:
a) Vegetation
b) Water bodies
c) Contours/relief
d) Settlements
Answer: c) Contours/relief
Explanation: Standard topographic color codes: brown for contours, blue for water, green for vegetation.
16. The direction north shown on a map is:
a) True north
b) Magnetic north
c) Grid north
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: Maps may show true north (geographic), magnetic north (compass), and grid north (map grid system).
17. Which of the following is not a map projection surface?
a) Cylindrical
b) Conical
c) Azimuthal
d) Elliptical
Answer: d) Elliptical
Explanation: Standard projection surfaces are cylindrical, conical, and azimuthal.
18. The great circle route is shortest because:
a) It avoids Earth’s curvature
b) It follows longitude lines
c) It cuts the Earth into two equal halves
d) It avoids oceans
Answer: c) It cuts the Earth into two equal halves
Explanation: Great circles are the shortest distance between two points on a sphere.
19. Which of the following is an example of a general-purpose map?
a) Road map
b) Political map
c) Physical map
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: General-purpose maps show a variety of features for everyday use.
20. The zero degree longitude is known as:
a) Equator
b) Greenwich Meridian
c) Tropic of Cancer
d) Tropic of Capricorn
Answer: b) Greenwich Meridian
Explanation: The Prime Meridian (0° longitude) passes through Greenwich, London.
21. Which projection is used for polar regions?
a) Conical
b) Cylindrical
c) Azimuthal
d) Mercator
Answer: c) Azimuthal
Explanation: Azimuthal projections are best for mapping polar areas.
22. Which instrument is used to measure map distances directly?
a) Compass
b) Divider
c) Planimeter
d) Rotameter
Answer: b) Divider
Explanation: A pair of dividers is commonly used to measure distances between two points on maps.
23. The slope of land is steepest when:
a) Contour lines are far apart
b) Contour lines are close together
c) Contour lines are absent
d) Contour lines are uneven
Answer: b) Contour lines are close together
Explanation: The closer the contour lines, the steeper the slope.
24. Which type of map uses isolines to represent data?
a) Isopleth map
b) Political map
c) Sketch map
d) Cadastral map
Answer: a) Isopleth map
Explanation: Isopleth maps use lines (isotherms, isobars, etc.) to show equal values of phenomena.
25. A cadastral map is used for:
a) Showing weather conditions
b) Land ownership and boundaries
c) Population distribution
d) Climatic regions
Answer: b) Land ownership and boundaries
Explanation: Cadastral maps are large-scale maps showing property lines and land ownership.
26. Which projection is best suited for world maps showing accurate shapes of continents?
a) Mercator
b) Robinson
c) Conical
d) Azimuthal
Answer: b) Robinson
Explanation: Robinson projection balances shape and area, widely used for world maps.
27. The symbol of blue color in maps generally represents:
a) Settlements
b) Relief
c) Water bodies
d) Roads
Answer: c) Water bodies
Explanation: Standard convention: blue = water, green = vegetation, brown = relief, red/black = man-made features.
28. Which map projection is commonly used for time zones?
a) Mercator
b) Cylindrical equal-area
c) Conical
d) Azimuthal
Answer: a) Mercator
Explanation: Mercator projection maintains direction, making it suitable for navigation and time zone representation.
29. Which type of scale is shown as a line on a map?
a) Statement scale
b) Representative fraction (RF)
c) Graphical scale
d) Ratio scale
Answer: c) Graphical scale
Explanation: A line marked with distances represents a graphical (linear) scale.
30. Which of the following is not a method of representing relief on maps?
a) Contours
b) Hachures
c) Layer tints
d) Latitude
Answer: d) Latitude
Explanation: Latitude is a coordinate system, not a relief representation method.
31. The line joining places of equal temperature is called:
a) Isohyet
b) Isotherm
c) Isobar
d) Isoneph
Answer: b) Isotherm
Explanation: Isotherms connect locations with equal temperature.
32. Which map projection is suitable for aeronautical charts (showing shortest routes)?
a) Mercator
b) Gnomonic
c) Robinson
d) Conical
Answer: b) Gnomonic
Explanation: Gnomonic projection shows great circle routes as straight lines, useful in aviation.
33. The term “atlas” for a collection of maps was first used by:
a) Ptolemy
b) Gerardus Mercator
c) Eratosthenes
d) Strabo
Answer: b) Gerardus Mercator
Explanation: Mercator (16th century) used the term “Atlas” for a collection of maps.
34. Which instrument is used for measuring areas on maps?
a) Planimeter
b) Rotameter
c) Divider
d) Protractor
Answer: a) Planimeter
Explanation: Planimeter is used for accurate area measurement on maps.
35. In which projection are parallels represented by concentric circles?
a) Cylindrical
b) Conical
c) Azimuthal
d) Gnomonic
Answer: c) Azimuthal
Explanation: In azimuthal projections, parallels appear as concentric circles around the pole.
36. Which projection is known as the “equal-area” projection?
a) Mercator
b) Mollweide
c) Robinson
d) Gnomonic
Answer: b) Mollweide
Explanation: Mollweide projection preserves area, commonly used in thematic world maps.
37. Which map shows boundaries of countries, states, and districts?
a) Political map
b) Physical map
c) Cadastral map
d) Topographic map
Answer: a) Political map
Explanation: Political maps highlight administrative boundaries.
38. The line connecting points of equal cloud cover is called:
a) Isobar
b) Isohyet
c) Isoneph
d) Isotherm
Answer: c) Isoneph
Explanation: Isonephs represent equal cloudiness.
39. Which technique is used in modern mapping for accurate positioning?
a) Aerial photography
b) GPS
c) Remote sensing
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: Modern mapping combines aerial photography, GPS, and remote sensing.
40. The representation of spherical Earth on a flat surface is called:
a) Cartography
b) Projection
c) Topography
d) Hydrography
Answer: b) Projection
Explanation: Map projection is the method of representing the Earth’s curved surface on a plane.
41. The zero degree latitude is known as:
a) Tropic of Cancer
b) Equator
c) Prime Meridian
d) Tropic of Capricorn
Answer: b) Equator
Explanation: Equator is 0° latitude dividing Earth into northern and southern hemispheres.
42. Which projection is mainly used for drawing maps of India?
a) Polyconic projection
b) Mercator projection
c) Conical projection
d) Azimuthal projection
Answer: a) Polyconic projection
Explanation: Survey of India uses polyconic projection for national maps.
43. Which of the following is a limitation of Mercator’s projection?
a) Distorts shapes near the equator
b) Distorts areas near the poles
c) Cannot be used for navigation
d) Cannot show equator
Answer: b) Distorts areas near the poles
Explanation: Mercator projection enlarges polar areas disproportionately.
44. The International Date Line roughly follows which longitude?
a) 0°
b) 90° E
c) 180°
d) 120° W
Answer: c) 180°
Explanation: The International Date Line is approximately along 180° longitude.
45. Which scale is expressed as 1 cm = 1 km?
a) Statement scale
b) Representative fraction
c) Linear scale
d) All of these
Answer: a) Statement scale
Explanation: A statement scale expresses relation in words/numbers like “1 cm = 1 km.”
46. Which type of map shows elevation using color bands?
a) Contour map
b) Choropleth map
c) Layer tint map
d) Dot map
Answer: c) Layer tint map
Explanation: Layer tint maps use color bands to show altitude levels.
47. Which satellite system is primarily used for GPS navigation?
a) GLONASS
b) NAVSTAR
c) IRNSS
d) Galileo
Answer: b) NAVSTAR
Explanation: The U.S. NAVSTAR GPS is the most widely used satellite navigation system.
48. A thematic map representing rainfall distribution is an example of:
a) Isopleth map
b) Dot map
c) Choropleth map
d) Cadastral map
Answer: a) Isopleth map
Explanation: Rainfall is represented by iso-lines (isohyets), hence isopleth map.
49. Which is the best method to represent population distribution across India?
a) Dot method
b) Choropleth method
c) Isopleth method
d) Cartogram
Answer: b) Choropleth method
Explanation: Choropleth maps effectively represent population density by shading regions.
50. Which of the following is an aerial remote sensing platform?
a) Aircraft
b) Satellite
c) Drone
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: Aircraft, satellites, and drones are platforms for aerial/remote sensing in mapping.
51. The north direction indicated by magnetic compass is:
a) True North
b) Grid North
c) Magnetic North
d) Astronomical North
Answer: c) Magnetic North
Explanation: A magnetic compass points towards the Earth’s magnetic north, not true north.
52. Which projection shows the whole world as a circle?
a) Mercator
b) Mollweide
c) Azimuthal
d) Gnomonic
Answer: c) Azimuthal
Explanation: Azimuthal projections represent the Earth’s surface on a plane, often circular in shape.
53. Which method is commonly used in weather maps to show rainfall?
a) Isohyets
b) Isotherms
c) Isobars
d) Contours
Answer: a) Isohyets
Explanation: Isohyets connect points of equal rainfall.
54. Which type of map is prepared by Survey of India on a large scale?
a) Topographic map
b) Political map
c) Cadastral map
d) Atlas
Answer: a) Topographic map
Explanation: Topographic maps by Survey of India show detailed physical and cultural features.
55. Which projection is used for world maps in atlases for balanced view?
a) Mercator
b) Robinson
c) Gnomonic
d) Conical
Answer: b) Robinson
Explanation: Robinson projection minimizes distortion of both shape and area, widely used in atlases.
56. Which instrument is used for measuring angles in surveying?
a) Compass
b) Theodolite
c) Planimeter
d) Altimeter
Answer: b) Theodolite
Explanation: Theodolite measures horizontal and vertical angles in surveying.
57. Which of the following is not a thematic map?
a) Rainfall map
b) Soil map
c) Political map
d) Population density map
Answer: c) Political map
Explanation: Political maps are general-purpose; thematic maps show specific themes like soils, rainfall, or population.
58. Which remote sensing satellite is operated by India?
a) Landsat
b) IRS (Indian Remote Sensing Satellite)
c) SPOT
d) NOAA
Answer: b) IRS
Explanation: The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series provides data for mapping and resource monitoring.
59. The angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian is called:
a) Latitude
b) Longitude
c) Bearing
d) Altitude
Answer: b) Longitude
Explanation: Longitude is measured east or west of the 0° Prime Meridian.
60. Which projection is used for cadastral surveys (land ownership maps)?
a) Conical projection
b) Polyconic projection
c) Mercator projection
d) Azimuthal projection
Answer: b) Polyconic projection
Explanation: Polyconic projection is widely used in India for large-scale land mapping.
61. In which type of scale is ratio given as 1:50,000?
a) Linear scale
b) Statement scale
c) Representative Fraction (RF)
d) Graphical scale
Answer: c) Representative Fraction (RF)
Explanation: RF shows scale as a ratio (map distance:ground distance).
62. Which is the shortest distance between two points on Earth?
a) Longitude
b) Latitude
c) Great circle route
d) Small circle route
Answer: c) Great circle route
Explanation: A great circle is the shortest path between two points on a sphere.
63. Which type of map is best to show soil fertility?
a) Choropleth map
b) Cadastral map
c) Dot map
d) Weather map
Answer: a) Choropleth map
Explanation: Soil fertility is shown using shaded/colored areas on choropleth maps.
64. Which is not an element of a good map?
a) Scale
b) Legend
c) North arrow
d) Border design
Answer: d) Border design
Explanation: Essential map elements include scale, legend, title, north arrow—not decorative borders.
65. Which projection preserves true shape of small areas?
a) Conformal projection
b) Equal-area projection
c) Azimuthal projection
d) Polyconic projection
Answer: a) Conformal projection
Explanation: Conformal projections preserve local shapes (angles), though areas are distorted.
66. Which type of map shows movement of goods or people?
a) Flow map
b) Dot map
c) Isopleth map
d) Relief map
Answer: a) Flow map
Explanation: Flow maps represent movement, e.g., trade routes or migration.
67. Which of the following uses contour lines?
a) Topographic map
b) Political map
c) Weather map
d) Cadastral map
Answer: a) Topographic map
Explanation: Contours show elevation and relief in topographic maps.
68. What is the purpose of hachures on maps?
a) To show vegetation
b) To show water bodies
c) To show slope/relief
d) To show settlements
Answer: c) To show slope/relief
Explanation: Hachures are short lines used to depict slope steepness.
69. The map technique using proportional symbols (like circles) is called:
a) Dot method
b) Sphere diagram
c) Proportional symbol map
d) Isopleth map
Answer: c) Proportional symbol map
Explanation: Proportional symbol maps show data using symbols sized proportionally.
70. Which is not a quantitative technique in maps?
a) Choropleth
b) Dot method
c) Flow map
d) Political boundary map
Answer: d) Political boundary map
Explanation: Political maps show boundaries, not quantitative data.
71. The Global Positioning System (GPS) works on:
a) Radio waves
b) Infrared signals
c) Satellite signals
d) Fiber optics
Answer: c) Satellite signals
Explanation: GPS uses satellite-based signals for location and navigation.
72. Which map element explains the meaning of symbols used?
a) Scale
b) Legend
c) Grid
d) Title
Answer: b) Legend
Explanation: The legend (key) describes map symbols and colors.
73. Which projection is suitable for tropical countries like India?
a) Mercator
b) Conical
c) Azimuthal
d) Robinson
Answer: b) Conical
Explanation: Conical projections are suitable for mid- and low-latitude countries.
74. Which technique is best for showing average temperature distribution?
a) Choropleth
b) Isotherms
c) Dot map
d) Cartogram
Answer: b) Isotherms
Explanation: Isotherms (lines of equal temperature) are used in climate maps.
75. Which map representation distorts both shape and size but gives a visually pleasing world view?
a) Mercator
b) Robinson
c) Azimuthal
d) Gnomonic
Answer: b) Robinson
Explanation: Robinson projection balances distortions, widely used in world atlases.
76. The north direction shown by vertical grid lines on a map is:
a) True North
b) Magnetic North
c) Grid North
d) Astronomical North
Answer: c) Grid North
Explanation: Grid north refers to the north indicated by map grid lines, used in topographic maps.
77. Which projection is best for mapping polar regions?
a) Mercator
b) Azimuthal
c) Robinson
d) Conical
Answer: b) Azimuthal
Explanation: Azimuthal projections are commonly used for mapping the poles because they reduce distortion in small circular areas.
78. A map showing distribution of natural vegetation is an example of:
a) Physical map
b) Thematic map
c) Political map
d) Cadastral map
Answer: b) Thematic map
Explanation: Thematic maps represent a single theme such as vegetation, rainfall, or population.
79. Which line connects points of equal sunshine duration?
a) Isohel
b) Isotherm
c) Isobar
d) Isohyet
Answer: a) Isohel
Explanation: Isohels connect locations with equal sunshine hours.
80. Which of the following is a disadvantage of small-scale maps?
a) Cannot show large areas
b) Lack of details
c) Difficult to use for navigation
d) Hard to read
Answer: b) Lack of details
Explanation: Small-scale maps cover large areas but with limited detail.
81. Which projection is conformal (preserves shape)?
a) Mercator
b) Robinson
c) Mollweide
d) Goode’s Homolosine
Answer: a) Mercator
Explanation: Mercator projection preserves local shapes (angles), though it distorts areas.
82. Which organization prepares topographical maps in India?
a) Geological Survey of India (GSI)
b) National Atlas Organization
c) Survey of India
d) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Answer: c) Survey of India
Explanation: Survey of India prepares official topographic maps.
83. Which type of map uses symbols like triangles, squares, or circles to show data?
a) Choropleth map
b) Proportional symbol map
c) Dot map
d) Statistical map
Answer: b) Proportional symbol map
Explanation: Proportional symbol maps use different-sized symbols to represent data values.
84. Which map is used to show underground features like mines and tunnels?
a) Geological map
b) Cadastral map
c) Engineering map
d) Topographic map
Answer: c) Engineering map
Explanation: Engineering maps are used for construction, mines, tunnels, and technical projects.
85. The total accuracy of a map depends on:
a) Scale
b) Projection
c) Survey method
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: Accuracy depends on scale, projection, survey methods, and map symbols.
86. The shortest route between two continents is usually drawn using:
a) Latitude lines
b) Longitude lines
c) Great circle route
d) Small circle route
Answer: c) Great circle route
Explanation: Great circles are the shortest paths between two locations on Earth.
87. Which of the following is a limitation of conical projection?
a) Suitable only for small areas
b) Distorts equatorial regions
c) Not suitable for mid-latitudes
d) Cannot represent poles
Answer: b) Distorts equatorial regions
Explanation: Conical projections are best suited for mid-latitudes; equatorial regions are distorted.
88. Which of the following is not an isopleth line?
a) Isobar
b) Isotherm
c) Isohyet
d) Longitude
Answer: d) Longitude
Explanation: Longitude is a coordinate, not an isopleth.
89. A map showing population distribution using shading is called:
a) Choropleth map
b) Dot map
c) Flow map
d) Isopleth map
Answer: a) Choropleth map
Explanation: Choropleth maps use shaded regions to represent data density.
90. The International Map of the World (IMW) uses which scale?
a) 1:50,000
b) 1:100,000
c) 1:1,000,000
d) 1:25,000
Answer: c) 1:1,000,000
Explanation: IMW standard is 1:1,000,000 scale for global consistency.
91. Which of the following maps is most suitable for planning military operations?
a) Topographic map
b) Political map
c) Physical map
d) Road map
Answer: a) Topographic map
Explanation: Topographic maps show detailed relief and cultural features, crucial for military planning.
92. The representation of 3D Earth on a 2D surface always causes:
a) Accuracy
b) Distortion
c) Enlargement
d) Shrinking
Answer: b) Distortion
Explanation: Every projection distorts at least one property (shape, area, distance, or direction).
93. Which of the following is a cadastral survey map?
a) Soil map
b) Land ownership map
c) Rainfall map
d) Geological map
Answer: b) Land ownership map
Explanation: Cadastral maps show property boundaries and land parcels.
94. Which projection is a compromise between shape and size?
a) Mercator
b) Robinson
c) Azimuthal
d) Gnomonic
Answer: b) Robinson
Explanation: Robinson projection reduces both shape and area distortion for a visually balanced world map.
95. The Greenwich Meridian is also called:
a) International Date Line
b) Standard Meridian
c) Prime Meridian
d) Tropic of Cancer
Answer: c) Prime Meridian
Explanation: The Prime Meridian (0° longitude) passes through Greenwich, London.
96. Which survey technique uses aerial photographs for map making?
a) Remote sensing
b) Photogrammetry
c) Cartography
d) Topography
Answer: b) Photogrammetry
Explanation: Photogrammetry uses aerial photographs for measurements and map making.
97. The latitude of the North Pole is:
a) 0°
b) 90° N
c) 180°
d) 23.5° N
Answer: b) 90° N
Explanation: North Pole is at 90° North latitude.
98. Which of the following uses GIS technology?
a) Weather forecasting
b) Urban planning
c) Disaster management
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
Explanation: GIS integrates spatial data for diverse applications: weather, planning, disaster management, etc.
99. Which Indian satellite system provides regional navigation services?
a) GPS
b) GLONASS
c) IRNSS (NavIC)
d) Galileo
Answer: c) IRNSS (NavIC)
Explanation: India’s IRNSS/NavIC is a regional navigation satellite system.
100. The process of transforming curved surface coordinates into flat map coordinates is called:
a) Cartography
b) Projection
c) Surveying
d) Remote sensing
Answer: b) Projection
Explanation: Projection converts Earth’s curved surface into a flat map using mathematical methods.