Below is a complete set of 100 unique multiple‐choice questions (MCQs) with answers on the

topic of maps. The questions cover:

• Characteristics of maps
• Types of maps – Large scale vs. Small scale
• Thematic maps and Globes

Each question is designed to test your understanding of cartographic principles and the various
ways maps are designed and used.

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Section 1: Characteristics of Maps (Questions 1–35)

1. What is a map?
A. A three-dimensional model of Earth
B. A scaled representation of geographic space
C. A satellite image
D. A navigational instrument
Answer: B

2. Which of the following is not a fundamental characteristic of a map?

A. Scale
B. Orientation
C. Legend
D. Population
Answer: D

3. The scale of a map represents:

A. The color scheme used
B. The ratio of distance on the map to distance on the ground
C. The compass direction
D. The type of projection applied
Answer: B

4. A map’s projection is important because it:

A. Determines how the curved surface of Earth is represented on a flat plane
B. Sets the map’s scale
C. Provides the map legend
D. Defines the map’s color scheme
 Answer: A

5. The legend on a map serves to:

A. Explain the symbols used on the map
B. Show the compass rose
C. Indicate the map scale
D. Provide the map’s title
Answer: A

6. A compass rose on a map is used to indicate:

A. The map scale
B. The map projection type
C. Direction (e.g., north)
D. Elevation differences
Answer: C

7. Reducing a three-dimensional surface to a two-dimensional map introduces:

A. No distortion
B. Minimal distortion
C. Some level of distortion
D. Complete accuracy
Answer: C

8. Which of the following is a common type of map projection?

A. Mercator
B. Cubic
C. Rectangular
D. Spherical
Answer: A

9. A map’s title generally indicates:

A. The map’s legend
B. The purpose or theme of the map
C. The map scale
D. The decorative elements
Answer: B

10. A scale bar on a map provides:

 A. A visual representation of distances
B. Information about map projections
C. Data on elevation
D. A list of symbols used
Answer: A

11. Which characteristic of a map determines how much detail is shown?

A. Scale
B. Legend
C. Orientation
D. Color scheme
Answer: A

12. Distortion in a map primarily affects its:

A. Color accuracy
B. Shape, area, distance, and direction
C. Legend details
D. Title font
Answer: B

13. Cartography is defined as:

A. The study and practice of mapmaking
B. The analysis of satellite imagery
C. The science of geodesy
D. The measurement of Earth’s gravitational field
Answer: A

14. A map that accurately preserves angles is described as:

A. Conformal
B. Equal-area
C. Equidistant
D. A compromise projection
Answer: A

15. A map that preserves correct area proportions is known as:

A. Conformal
B. Equal-area
C. Equidistant
D. Topographic
 Answer: B

16. Which element is essential in a topographic map?

A. Population data
B. Contour lines showing elevation
C. Political boundaries only
D. Road networks exclusively
Answer: B

17. A map’s scale can be expressed in several ways, including:

A. A ratio, a verbal statement, or a graphic bar
B. Only as a ratio
C. Only as a graphic bar
D. Only in a verbal description
Answer: A

18. Map symbols are used to represent:

A. Only natural features
B. Only human-made features
C. A variety of features such as points, lines, and areas
D. Only roads and rivers
Answer: C

19. Orientation on a map is typically shown by a:

A. Scale bar
B. Compass rose
C. Legend
D. Title
Answer: B

20. A map’s accuracy is influenced by its:

A. Date of production
B. Data quality, projection, and scale
C. Color choices
D. Paper quality
Answer: B

21. Generalization in map design refers to:

 A. Including every detail found in reality
B. Simplifying features so they are legible at a given scale
C. Using bright colors for decoration
D. Creating a 3D effect on a 2D surface
Answer: B

22. Contour lines on a map indicate:

A. Political boundaries
B. Lines of equal elevation
C. River courses
D. Road networks
Answer: B

23. The term “map scale” refers to the:

A. Level of detail shown on the map
B. Ratio between map distance and real-world distance
C. Color intensity of the map
D. Size of the map paper
Answer: B

24. In a flat map, distortion is an inevitable result of:

A. Inaccurate data
B. Representing a curved surface on a flat plane
C. Poor printing quality
D. Outdated cartographic techniques
Answer: B

25. A “base map” is defined as:

A. A map that shows only thematic data
B. A general reference map providing geographic context
C. A map without any symbols
D. A digital map used solely online
Answer: B

26. The reliability of a map is judged primarily by its:

A. Date of issue
B. Accuracy and clarity of information
C. Color scheme
D. Paper quality
 Answer: B

27. A digital map that can be zoomed in and out is commonly known as a:
A. Static map
B. Digital map
C. Web map
D. Interactive map
Answer: B

28. Which of the following features is NOT typically shown on a map?

A. Spatial location
B. Temporal changes
C. Direction
D. Distance
Answer: B

29. A map with a scale expressed as 1:50,000 means that:

A. 1 unit on the map equals 50,000 units on the ground
B. 50,000 units on the map equal 1 unit on the ground
C. The map is 50,000 times larger than reality
D. The map is 50,000 times smaller than reality
Answer: A

30. In most standard maps, the north is represented at the:

A. Top
B. Bottom
C. Left
D. Right
Answer: A

31. A “rose diagram” on a map is another term for the:

A. Scale bar
B. Compass rose
C. Legend
D. Chart of distances
Answer: B

32. A map’s “generalization” is most critical when working with:

 A. Large scale maps
B. Small scale maps
C. Both large and small scale maps
D. None of the above
Answer: C

33. Which element in a map indicates the intended use or subject matter?
A. The title
B. The legend
C. The scale bar
D. The compass rose
Answer: A

34. A map’s “accuracy” relates to its ability to represent:

A. Only the general shape of features
B. True spatial relationships and distances
C. The aesthetic quality of the design
D. Only political boundaries
Answer: B

35. Which of the following best describes a well‐designed map?

A. One that includes every single detail from reality
B. One that balances detail, clarity, and minimal distortion
C. One that is highly decorative but lacks data
D. One that uses a random color scheme
Answer: B

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Section 2: Types of Maps – Large Scale vs. Small Scale (Questions 36–70)

36. Large scale maps are characterized by:

A. A high ratio showing a small area in great detail
B. A low ratio showing a large area with less detail
C. No numerical scale
D. Equal-area representation only
Answer: A
37. Small scale maps are typically used for:
A. Detailed city planning
B. Regional or world maps
C. Architectural design
D. Local street navigation
Answer: B

38. A map with a scale of 1:10,000 is considered:

A. Large scale
B. Small scale
C. Medium scale
D. Not determinable
Answer: A

39. A map with a scale of 1:1,000,000 is considered:

A. Large scale
B. Small scale
C. Medium scale
D. Topographic
Answer: B

40. Large scale maps provide:

A. More detail for a limited area
B. Less detail for an extensive area
C. A broader view with minimal information
D. Only thematic data
Answer: A

41. Small scale maps are more prone to:

A. High levels of detail
B. Generalization and simplified features
C. Exact measurements
D. High resolution imagery
Answer: B

42. Which type of map is typically used for city street mapping?
A. Large scale maps
B. Small scale maps
 C. Thematic maps
D. Globes
Answer: A

43. A map used to display an entire continent would be classified as a:

A. Large scale map
B. Small scale map
C. Detailed topographic map
D. Street map
Answer: B

44. The term “map scale” refers to the:

A. Level of detail shown
B. Ratio between map distance and ground distance
C. Color intensity of features
D. Overall size of the map paper
Answer: B

45. A large scale map typically has:

A. A larger denominator in the scale ratio
B. A smaller denominator in the scale ratio
C. No numerical scale
D. Only a verbal description
Answer: B

46. The choice between using a large scale or a small scale map depends on the:
A. Purpose and area extent to be represented
B. Map maker’s personal preference only
C. Type of paper used
D. Printing method employed
Answer: A

47. An advantage of a large scale map is that it provides:

A. Detailed local information and reduced generalization
B. A broad overview of entire regions
C. Minimal detail
D. Only thematic content
Answer: A
48. Small scale maps are particularly useful for:
A. Detailed navigation within cities
B. Understanding global or regional patterns
C. Local planning and zoning
D. High-resolution topographic studies
Answer: B

49. Large scale maps are typically produced for:

A. Local government planning and detailed surveys
B. World atlases and broad regional studies
C. Global climate mapping
D. Intercontinental navigation
Answer: A

50. Which statement best describes the difference between large scale and small scale maps?
A. Large scale maps show a larger area with less detail
B. Small scale maps show a smaller area with more detail
C. Large scale maps show a smaller area with more detail
D. Both show the same level of detail
Answer: C

51. A map with a scale of 1:5,000 is best described as a:

A. Highly detailed large scale map
B. Moderately detailed map
C. Very small scale map
D. Not useful for detail
Answer: A

52. A world map in an atlas is an example of a:

A. Large scale map
B. Small scale map
C. Thematic map
D. Detailed topographic map
Answer: B

53. In general, as the map scale increases, the amount of detail displayed:
A. Increases
B. Decreases
 C. Remains the same
D. Becomes irrelevant
Answer: A

54. A map with a scale of 1:250,000 would generally be considered:

A. Large scale
B. Small scale
C. Moderately scaled (large scale for regional studies)
D. Unscaled
Answer: A

55. A map scale expressed verbally as “1 inch represents 100 miles” is typically found on a:
A. Large scale map
B. Small scale map
C. Medium scale map
D. Unscaled map
Answer: B

56. Cartographic generalization is more critical for:

A. Large scale maps
B. Small scale maps
C. Detailed engineering drawings
D. Globes
Answer: B

57. A map used for local navigation with detailed street names is an example of a:
A. Large scale map
B. Small scale map
C. Thematic map
D. Digital satellite image
Answer: A

58. A map showing individual buildings and roads is most likely a:

A. Small scale map
B. Large scale map
C. Thematic map
D. Globe
Answer: B
59. A map that represents the entire world with limited detail is classified as a:
A. Large scale map
B. Small scale map
C. Detailed local map
D. Topographic map
Answer: B

60. One key difference between large scale and small scale maps is the level of:
A. Paper size used
B. Detail provided
C. Projection method
D. Printing cost
Answer: B

61. Which type of scale representation is common on large scale maps?

A. Representative fraction, verbal scale, and bar scale
B. Only a verbal scale
C. Only a graphic scale
D. No scale is shown
Answer: A

62. In terms of accuracy and precision, large scale maps are generally:
A. Less accurate
B. More accurate
C. Equally accurate
D. Not influenced by scale
Answer: B

63. Which detail is least likely to appear on a small scale map?

A. Detailed street names
B. National borders
C. Major highways
D. Country names
Answer: A

64. The process of generalization is required more in:

A. Large scale maps
B. Small scale maps
 C. Both equally
D. Neither
Answer: B

65. Large scale maps are best used for:

A. Local planning and detailed analysis
B. Global overview studies
C. Continental mapping
D. None of the above
Answer: A

66. Small scale maps typically require:

A. Minimal generalization
B. Extensive generalization
C. No generalization
D. Detailed street-level data
Answer: B

67. The main disadvantage of small scale maps is that they:

A. Require larger paper sizes
B. Provide less detail
C. Are more expensive to produce
D. Are less portable
Answer: B

68. A map showing a country with cities represented by simple dots is likely a:
A. Large scale map
B. Small scale map
C. Thematic map
D. Topographic map
Answer: B

69. A map with a scale of 1:25,000 is typically used for:

A. Regional analysis
B. Local, detailed studies
C. Global navigation
D. None of the above
Answer: B
70. The choice of map scale directly affects the:
A. Amount of information displayed
B. Color scheme used
C. Printing cost only
D. Physical size of the Earth
Answer: A

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Section 3: Thematic Maps and Globes (Questions 71–100)

71. The main purpose of a thematic map is to:

A. Show only physical features
B. Emphasize a specific theme or subject
C. Provide general reference information
D. Display only political boundaries
Answer: B

72. Which of the following is an example of a thematic map?

A. A topographic map
B. A climate map
C. A road map
D. A cadastral map
Answer: B

73. A population density map is best classified as a:

A. General reference map
B. Thematic map
C. Navigation map
D. Topographic map
Answer: B

74. Thematic maps typically use:

A. Uniform colors for all areas
B. Varying colors and symbols to represent data
C. Only black and white shades
D. Only text to describe data
 Answer: B

75. Choropleth maps are a type of thematic map that:

A. Use symbols to represent data points
B. Use varying shades or colors to represent data in predefined areas
C. Represent elevation data exclusively
D. Show detailed street information
Answer: B

76. Dot density maps in thematic cartography are used to:

A. Show continuous data distributions
B. Indicate the distribution of a phenomenon by density of dots
C. Represent elevation contours
D. Display only urban areas
Answer: B

77. Flow maps, as a form of thematic mapping, are primarily used to show:
A. Topography
B. The movement of people or goods
C. Climate zones
D. Political boundaries
Answer: B

78. The main purpose of a thematic map is to visualize:

A. Navigation routes
B. Spatial variation of a specific variable
C. Detailed street layouts
D. Only physical landforms
Answer: B

79. A key component of a thematic map is the:

A. Detailed base map with no additional information
B. Legend explaining the theme-specific symbols or colors
C. Inclusion of every geographic feature
D. Absence of any labeling
Answer: B

80. A globe is best described as:

 A. A flat representation of Earth
B. A three-dimensional model that represents the Earth’s surface
C. A type of thematic map
D. A digital map only
Answer: B

81. One advantage of using a globe over a flat map is that it:
A. Does not distort spatial relationships
B. Is easier to store and transport
C. Provides more detail
D. Is less expensive to produce
Answer: A

82. Globes typically represent:

A. Only the equatorial region
B. The entire Earth's surface with minimal distortion
C. A limited geographic area
D. Only land areas without oceans
Answer: B

83. Thematic globes can be used to display data such as:

A. Population distribution, climate zones, or political boundaries
B. Only physical landforms
C. Only ocean currents
D. Only road networks
Answer: A

84. A major limitation of flat maps that globes overcome is:

A. Color distortion
B. Projection distortion
C. Inaccurate legends
D. Scale inaccuracies
Answer: B

85. Globes are considered ideal for representing:

A. Detailed urban planning
B. Global phenomena with accurate spatial relationships
C. Street-level navigation
D. Only thematic data
 Answer: B

86. Thematic maps often require the use of:

A. Complex statistical data
B. Simple, unchanging symbols only
C. Only a single color scheme
D. No legends
Answer: A

87. When constructing a thematic map, the selection of a suitable projection, scale, and color
scheme is:
A. Optional
B. Critical to effective data visualization
C. Determined solely by the map’s size
D. Unrelated to the map’s purpose
Answer: B

88. The process of symbolizing data on a thematic map is known as:

A. Generalization
B. Visualization or cartographic representation
C. Projection
D. Georeferencing
Answer: B

89. Which type of thematic map would most effectively display variations in average annual
rainfall?
A. Dot density map
B. Choropleth map
C. Isoline (contour) map
D. Flow map
Answer: C

90. The background map that provides geographic context for overlaying thematic data is called
a:
A. Base map
B. Overlay
C. Legend
D. Projection map
Answer: A
91. The effectiveness of a thematic map largely depends on:
A. The quality of its base map
B. The clarity of its data visualization
C. The chosen color scheme and classification method
D. All of the above
Answer: D

92. One advantage of digital thematic maps is that they allow for:
A. Static, unchangeable representations
B. Interactive exploration of spatial data
C. Permanent printed copies only
D. Elimination of legends
Answer: B

93. A globe that displays thematic information such as climate zones or political boundaries is
referred to as a:
A. Physical globe
B. Political globe
C. Thematic globe
D. Navigational globe
Answer: C

94. The term “choropleth” is most closely associated with a method that uses:
A. Specific map projections
B. Color gradations to represent data in defined areas
C. Scale bars to indicate distance
D. Dot density techniques exclusively
Answer: B

95. Which statement about thematic maps is true?

A. They are used only for physical geography
B. They are designed to convey spatial patterns of specific data
C. They are less effective than general reference maps
D. They do not include legends
Answer: B

96. When using a globe to represent thematic data, a common challenge is:
 A. Projection distortion
B. Limited surface area for detailed information
C. Inaccurate orientation
D. Excessive detail
Answer: B

97. The choice of color in a thematic map is important because it can:

A. Influence the viewer’s interpretation of the data
B. Be ignored by the audience
C. Only serve a decorative purpose
D. Replace the need for numerical data
Answer: A

98. In thematic mapping, data classification is essential for:

A. Determining how data values are grouped and represented
B. Choosing the correct map projection
C. Setting the map scale
D. Designing the base map only
Answer: A

99. A thematic map focusing on economic activity would most likely include:
A. Detailed topographic contours
B. Color-coded regions indicating varying economic outputs
C. Detailed street-level information
D. Only population density data
Answer: B

100. Globes, as three-dimensional representations of Earth, provide a more accurate sense of:
A. Flat distances
B. The Earth’s true shape and spatial relationships
C. Only political boundaries
D. None of the above
Answer: B

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This set of 100 MCQs—with each question and its correct answer—is designed to help you
master the characteristics of maps, the differences between large scale and small scale maps,
and the use of thematic maps and globes. Use these questions as a study aid for competitive
exams or to deepen your cartographic knowledge.