What is the definition of a map?

A map is fundamentally defined as a line drawing of a portion of the earth's surface drawn to scale. This definition encapsulates the essential characteristics of a map: it is a two-dimensional representation that translates three-dimensional geographical features into a comprehensible format. By being drawn to scale, a map allows users to understand the relative sizes and distances between various features, making it easier to navigate and analyze different areas.

Maps serve a range of purposes, including navigation, planning, and geographic analysis. They can depict various features such as roads, towns, natural landmarks, and political boundaries. The scaling aspect is crucial as it ensures that the representation is proportionate and accurate enough for practical use, whether for military operations, urban planning, or nature exploration.

In contrast, a three-dimensional representation of terrain embodies different types of models, such as physical models or some digital terrain models, which are not strictly classified as maps. A digital format of geographical information refers more to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, which is a different concept that includes processing and analyzing geographical data rather than representing it in the traditional map format. A historical record of land use provides valuable insights into how land has been utilized over time but does not fit the definition of a map, as it