Which of the following is/are the element(s) of a map?

I. Area of a map

II. Scale of a map

III. Title of the map

IV. Direction Indicator

Map is a representation of the earth on a flat surface. Maps are very much used by motorists, defence personnel, tourists and so on. But to use a map, it is necessary that one knows how to read the map as the map has its own language. A map cannot be meaningful unless the reader is able to make out what the map contains. ‘Map literacy’ is essential for understanding maps. The elements of a map are:

• Title of the Map: It gives the theme of the map and it is given as the heading of the map.
• Direction Indicator: This is a figure given in some corner of the map that shows the direction of the map.
• Scale of a Map: This is a measuring tool which is in the form of a ratio between the distance on the map and distance on the ground. This is shown either at the top or bottom of the map.
• Colours and Symbols: These are used in the maps which have their own meaning. Their meaning is given in a part of the map called legend. This contains the list of symbols/colours used in a given map and its meaning.

Hence, we conclude that all the above points are elements of a map.