Maps | Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Maps

Questions in the exam will be based on topographical maps.

• The maps can be from anywhere in the world.
• Maps will have a key, scale, northings, and eastings.
• These elements must be utilized to answer the questions.

Grid references

4-Figure Grid References

• 4-figure references are utilized to identify specific grid squares on a map.
• First two figures: Eastings - show east or west position on the map.
• Second two figures: Northings - indicate north or south position on the map.

6-Figure Grid References

• 6-figure references are employed to pinpoint exact points within grid squares.
• First three figures: Eastings - specify east or west location on the map.
• Last three figures: Northings - determine north or south location on the map.

To find a 4 and 6 figure grid reference

• To determine a 4-figure grid reference, provide the number from the bottom of the map first, followed by the number from the side of the map.
  
• In the image above, the 4-figure grid reference would be 17, 51. To give the 6-figure grid reference, you need to imagine that the grid square is divided into 100 smaller squares.
  

Scale 

• Maps in the exam will either be scale 1:25,000 where 1cm on the map = 25,000cm (250m) in real life or 1:50,000 where 1cm = 50,000cm (500m) in real life
• When the distance is straight or almost straight, it can be measured using a ruler or the edge of a straight piece of paper
• Using the scale at the bottom of the map, mark distances on a piece of paper
• This marked paper can then be laid from the first point to the second point to calculate the distance

• A distance along a curved route can be divided; the paper can be rotated and marked in stages to calculate the full distance
• To measure from point A to point B following the road on the map, the route can be divided into a series of straight sections using crosses
• The plain piece of paper can then be used to measure from point A to the first cross, and then rotated at the cross to mark the second cross
  

Bearings

• Directions on a map should always be provided using compass points.
• There are a total of 16 compass points.
  
• A grid bearing is measured from grid north at 0 degrees. East corresponds to 90 degrees, South to 180 degrees, and West to 270 degrees.
• Grid bearings are determined using a protractor where 0 degrees should align with north. The center of the protractor indicates the direction from which the bearing is given.
  
• On the map, location B lies to the South West of point A, indicated by a bearing of 280 degrees.

Heights

• Height representation on maps can be achieved through three primary methods:
  • Spot Heights
  • Contour Lines
  • Trigonometrical Stations
• Spot Heights: These indicate the height at a specific point, with the measurement provided next to it.
• Contour Lines: These are isolines connecting points of equal height, typically at 5 or 10-meter intervals. The spacing between contour lines signifies an increase in land height by 5 or 10 meters.
• Trigonometrical Stations: Represented by small black triangles with accompanying height measurements.

Topography

• Contour lines play a crucial role in representing the shape and slope of the land or topography.
• When contour lines are closely packed together, it signifies steep terrain, whereas lines that are spaced far apart indicate gently sloping or flat land, depending on the distance between them.
• V-shaped valleys are characterized by a set of V-shaped contours, providing insight into the landscape's features.
• A hill's presence is depicted by circular contour lines encircling it.

Cross-sections

• A cross-section serves as a slice through the landscape, aiding in understanding land features.
• On maps, cross-sections are represented by labeled lines, such as A and B, utilizing contour lines to assess land elevation.
  
• To determine height accurately, a paper is placed along the line, marking points A and B, with contour lines being noted each time they intersect the paper.
  
• These figures can then be used to create the cross-section
  

Key

• Maps are effective tools for recognizing various landscape characteristics.
• These features encompass both physical and human aspects.
• Each map includes a legend or key to explain the symbols used and their meanings.