Globe and Map

A globe represents the three-dimensional view
of the earth. It shows the shape of the oceans and
the continents correctly. It also shows their correct
relation to one another as they are on the earth.
Similarly, the distances based on scale and directions
of places are fairly correct on the globe. A globe gives
us a better idea of parallels (latitudes) and meridians
(longitudes), as it is three-dimensional. It helps us
to understand how day and night occur and how
seasons are caused. Only a globe gives us an idea
about the tilt of the earth’s axis.
With all these advantages, the globe has certain
limitations also. It is difficult to carry the globe around. Although inflated globes made of plastic are
also available, yet, inflating and fixing at the axis takes lot of time.
Globe cannot be used if we want to study a specific part of the earth. It does not show details,
such as towns, villages, roads and railways, etc., of a country. If we want to study a country, a state
or a district, a map is more useful.

MAP

A map is a representation of the earth or a part of it, drawn on a flat surface as per the scale. A
map is a two-dimensional representation of the earth. Although, a map does not give us an idea of
the true shape of the earth yet it has some advantages. Map is useful for showing large areas as well
as very small areas. Very minute details can also be shown on a map. For example, a map can show

Axis of Earth


several geographic, natural and cultural elements,
such as mountains, hills, rivers, distribution of forests,
rainfall, sources of irrigation, location of historical
places, etc. A map can be folded, rolled or bound in a
book and carried easily.
Map-making is an art and requires a special skill
and training. The science of map-making is known as

Cartography, and the experts of map-making are called Cartographers.
History of Map-making
The earliest map was made in 2300 BC in Mesopotamia (Iraq). It was made on a clay tablet. But
the maps of that period were not very clear. They only showed the boundary of the land.
Different techniques of map-making were adopted in different parts of the world. Eskimos
made maps by sewing animal skins of different colours. The Egyptians engraved the boundaries and
features on metal plates.

ptolemy

The ancient maps were based on memory and information. They were not drawn to a scale.
Thus, they can be called mere sketches.
Ptolemy, an Egyptian, was the first cartographer, who made the map of the world according to
scale and direction. He was the first person to represent the earth as a sphere. He was known as the
‘Father of map-making’.