NCERT Solutions class 6 Social-Science Locating Places on the Earth Chapter Reviews

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Quick explanation — what this page contains

This document gives concise, exam-useful explanations and formal definitions for the key concepts of Chapter 1: Locating Places on the Earth. Each important term is defined and then followed by a clear explanation and examples where helpful.

Maps and Their Components

Definition

Map

A graphical representation of an area drawn as if viewed from above, showing natural and/or human-made features.

Explanation

Maps simplify real places so we can find locations and understand spatial relationships. They can show natural features (mountains, rivers — physical maps), political units (countries, states — political maps), or specific themes (population, rainfall — thematic maps).

Key components (brief)

Scale — shows the ratio of distance on the map to actual ground distance (e.g., 1 cm = 5 km).

Direction — orientation markers (usually a north arrow). Cardinal directions: N, E, S, W; intermediate: NE, NW, SE, SW.

Symbols — icons and colours that stand for features (railway station, temple, forest, water). A legend explains meanings.

Coordinates: Latitude and Longitude

Latitude

Latitude (parallel)

An angular measurement, in degrees, of distance north or south from the Equator (0°). Parallels run east–west on the globe.

Latitudes range from 0° at the Equator to 90°N at the North Pole and 90°S at the South Pole. Parallels form horizontal rings: the Equator is the largest; parallels shrink toward the poles. Latitude affects climate — equatorial regions are warmer.

Longitude

Longitude (meridian)

An angular measurement, in degrees, of distance east or west from a prime meridian. Meridians are half-circles that run from pole to pole.

The internationally accepted prime meridian is the Greenwich Meridian (0°). Longitudes are measured up to 180°E and 180°W. Longitude together with latitude gives the precise coordinates of any place.

How coordinates work: A location is written as latitude, longitude. Example: Delhi ≈ 29°N, 77°E.

Globe versus Flat Map

Definition

Globe

A three-dimensional spherical model of Earth that preserves relative sizes and positions of continents and oceans.

Explanation

Because Earth is nearly spherical, a globe is the most accurate representation. Any flat map requires a projection and introduces distortions (shape, area, distance or direction). Use a globe to visualise true spatial relationships; use maps for navigation and detailed views.

Time, Longitudes and Time Zones

Why longitude affects time

Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours → 15° every hour (360 ÷ 24 = 15). Each 15° of longitude corresponds roughly to one hour of time difference. When the Sun is overhead at one meridian, locations 15° east experience local time one hour later.

Definitions

Standard Time

A uniform time adopted across a country or region, based on a selected meridian so the entire area follows the same official time.

Time Zone

A band of longitudes (often about 15° wide) that share the same standard time. Practical boundaries may follow political borders.

Indian Standard Time (IST): IST is based on the meridian at 82°30′ E (82.5°E), so IST = GMT + 5:30.

International Date Line (IDL)

The IDL lies near 180° longitude and separates two consecutive calendar dates. Crossing the IDL east-to-west adds a day; west-to-east subtracts a day. The line zigzags to avoid splitting countries into different dates.

Historical note — Indian prime meridian

Ancient Indian astronomers used a reference meridian through Ujjain (called madhya rekhā), which served as a zero meridian for classical calculations. This demonstrates that longitude referencing was known long before Greenwich.

Short Recap (for last-minute revision)

• Equator = 0° latitude; Poles = 90°N / 90°S.
• Prime Meridian (Greenwich) = 0° longitude; longitudes run to 180°E / 180°W.
• Latitude + Longitude = Coordinates (exact location).
• Earth rotates 15° per hour → time zones; IST = GMT + 5:30 (based on 82.5°E).
• Globe = best for accurate representation; maps are practical but introduce projection distortions.

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