Question

Give reasons for the following: Map is the most important tool of a geographer.

Answer 1

Hint: A map is a two-dimensional diagrammatic representation of a place, capable of showing various features of that place, like trees, roads, building, topography, climate, etc, through various symbolisms. The word ‘map’ comes from the Latin words ‘Mappa Mundi’, ‘Mappa’ meaning cloth and ‘Mundi’ meaning the world. Thus, a map came to be referred to as a representation of the world on a two-dimensional surface.

Complete answer:
Whether it is physical geography or human geography, the field of geography concerns the study or the description of the Earth and how the same is related to humankind. A map is indispensable in such an endeavour.
Firstly and foremostly, a map helps to locate places on the surface of the Earth. A map helps to visualise a particular area through highlighting the features of that place. Maps are also capable of providing an integrated picture of an area, which helps in gaining an in-depth study of that area, which is of utmost importance to any geographer.
A map, apart from explaining a particular place, also shows its relation to its surrounding areas, and shows why each area is distinct.
Even for understanding of the socio-economic development of a place, a map is very insightful. For example, to understand the spread of a particular industry in a country, a geographer might find it very useful to study a map that shows the distribution of the manufacturing units related to that industry.

Note: The map, as a tool, has been of use to geographers since ancient times. With the introduction of newer technologies, hand-produced maps have been replaced with computer generated maps. Such maps are more efficient and accurate. The importance of maps have never ceased to geographers.