The word map is derived from the lattin word mappa which sheet or napkin it is si called because all the earlier made or drawn on cloth , skin and parchments . If we draw the world or part of it or part of it on a piece of paper , that drawing is called a map. Thus , a map is a representation or a drawing of the earth's surface or a part of its drawn on a flat surface according to a scale . Broadly maps can be divided into three categories .
Physical or relief maps: Maps showing natural features of the earth like mountains plateaus, plains , rivers , oceans etc . are called physical or relief maps.
Political maps : maps showing cities , towns and villages and boundaries are called political maps.