Representation of Geographical Features

100 metres

Step 1: The scale is 2 cm = 1 km. So the left compartment (2 cm) represents 1 km = 1,000 metres. Step 2: This 2 cm compartment on the left of zero is divided into 10 equal parts. Step 3: Each small part = 1,000 metres ÷ 10 = 100 metres. Step 4: The left side of a linear scale is always subdivided for more precise, smaller measurements. Step 5: 10 metres would require 100 subdivisions; 50 metres would require 20; 200 metres would be only 5 divisions. So 100 metres per small division is correct.

Easting 42, Northing 85

Step 1: A four-figure grid reference combines two two-digit numbers — the first two digits are the easting and the last two digits are the northing. Step 2: Grid reference 4285 → Easting = 42, Northing = 85. Step 3: The rule is: Eastings always come first (read along the bottom from west to east), then Northings (read up from south to north). Step 4: The origin is always the South-West corner of the map. Step 5: Option A reverses easting and northing. Options C and D split the numbers incorrectly. Always remember: 'Read right first (easting), then up (northing).'

It is a bench mark showing that point is 63.3 metres above mean sea level

Step 1: BM stands for Bench Mark — a surveyor's mark cut on a rock, stone, wall, or building. Step 2: The number (63.3) shows the exact height of that mark above mean sea level (MSL). Step 3: Bench marks are permanent reference points used in surveying to establish height for other points. Step 4: A spot height (shown as •340) gives the height of a point above sea level but is not a physically cut mark. Step 5: Triangulated height uses a small triangle symbol (△). Bench marks are the most precise, physically verified height markers on a toposheet.

Rocky, stony, or badland area that is uncultivable

Step 1: Each colour on a toposheet has a universally accepted meaning for map reading. Step 2: White on a topographical map represents rocky areas, badlands, stony waste, or areas covered with sheet rock — all of which are uncultivable. Step 3: Yellow represents cultivable land (agriculture, plateaus, plains). Blue represents water bodies. Red represents settlements. Step 4: Snow-covered glaciers are not a standard colour code in Indian toposheets — white specifically means barren/rocky uncultivable land. Step 5: Seasonal water bodies are shown in black speckles (dry tank) or light blue. White