Explain what is meant by ‘map interpretation’ and what procedure is followed for its interpretation.

1. Marginal Information :

2. Relief features

(а) Drainage pattern

(b) Natural vegetation

3. Cultural features :

(a) Land use and occupation

(b) Means of transport and communication

(c) Human settlements.

1. Marginal Information : The informations which are printed on the margins of the toposheets are called Marginal Information or Primary Information. These informations include :

(i) The number of sheet and name of the region.

(ii) Extent of the region in latitudes and longitudes.

(iii) Directions.

(iv) The contour interval.

(v) The key.

2. Relief Features : To study the relief features of the given toposheet, we should take an eye survey of the entire area and make the various physical features depicted on the toposheet are to be pointed out. The gap between is to be marked and average heights are to be measured.

(a) Drainage Pattern : To study the drainage pattern of the toposheet, the major rivers and their tributaries are to be noted. Their catchment area to be marked. U-shaped and V-shaped valleys are to be identified. Slopes of the region are to be marked.

(b) Natural Vegetation : With the careful study of the given toposheet, determine the types of forests and trees and mention whether they are evergreen, deciduous, broad leave or coniferous. The distribution pattern of natural vegetation is also to be noted. It will help to understand the co-relation between climate and vegetation. It will also determine the types of climate found in the given region.

3. Cultural Features : These features include the study of land use and occupation, transport and communication and human settlements.

(a) Land use and occupation : Although, the land use and occupation are not depicted on the toposheet, yet they can easily be deducted from the study of physical features depicted on the toposheet. A hilly region, a plateau, and a plain are naturally have a different forms of land use. A forest land invites the development of forest-based economic activities. Animal herding or dairy farming is the main occupation of grasslands. The quarries and mines depicted on the toposheet point towards the growth of mining occupation.

(b) Means of transport and communication : These can be easily studied with the help of the conventional symbols or the key of the toposheet. Hence, you are to point out the different means of transport and communication by which the area of topo sheet is served. The co-relation between the topographic features and the main lines of communication is to be noted. The means of transport and communication indicate the industrial development and prosperity of the people.

(c) Human settlements : The study of human settlements through light on the land use and occupation of the people is done. The urban centres are to be noted. What are their size and for what are they famous. Also find out the factors favourable for their growth.

As concern the rural settlements, you have to note the distribution pattern of human settlements. They may be circular or scattered.