Question

The signs and symbols used in a map are called-
1. Contours
2. Conventional symbols
3. Diagrams
4. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The question itself has provided an insight into the appropriate term used for those signs. The signs and symbols are a mini representation (an outline or relevant form) of anything that they represent.

Complete answer:
The maps are a pictorial representation of the relief features of the earth or any part of it. They have various topographical terrains- plains, mountains, etc. that have to be marked as well. Maps represent these features from the vertical view of the earth, i.e. from the sky or space which makes it difficult to understand what a specific area represents or to distinguish between various features.
It is for this purpose that we use various signs and symbols because they help us understand and relate better to the information given without having to locate things over and over while we study. For example- mountains are represented by a triangle; rivers are made to look like blue stream-like patterns on the paper, etc.
To have a clear understanding, we’ll go through each option;
1. It is an incorrect choice. Contours are the imaginary lines drawn to represent the relief of terrain and also, they help us to understand certain peculiarities about those structures as well- height, width, etc. They are drawn as fine and smooth free hand curved lines.

2. A conventional symbol is a widely recognized interpretation of any particular relief feature or topographical structure. The various features drawn on a map are represented by these signs or symbols. So, this is the correct option.

3. Diagrams are the small scale visual representation of any object; the object is made as-it-is on a paper in order to get a better insight about the thing; it can be both two dimensional and three dimensional. Hence, it is an incorrect answer.

4. This is definitely the wrong choice as we’ve already figured out the correct answer. Conventional symbols are used to represent various relief features on the maps.
Therefore the answer is 2. Conventional symbols

Additional Information
Those signs are explained in a tabular form along the margin of the map or on a separately published characteristic sheet. A particular sign is used to represent a specific feature only in a given context. However, such conventional signs need to be well recognized before they can be used in a study.
Note:
Conventional signs and symbols come handy when we have to represent some features repeatedly. The signs have a pictorial or symbolic resemblance to the original feature and their meaning is certain