Map Symbols, Direction and Contour Lines - Year 7 PDF Download

Introduction

• A compass is a tool utilized for determining direction. A four-point compass provides a general direction, while a sixteen-point compass offers more precise directions.
• Map symbols are representations indicating what can be identified in a particular area. Each distinct feature of the landscape is denoted by a unique symbol.
• Contour lines are lines that connect regions of equal elevation on a map. By observing the spacing between contour lines in an area, one can discern whether the terrain is steep or flat.

Maps

A map is a visual representation of a location from a top-down perspective. The Ordnance Survey (OS) serves as the primary mapping agency for Great Britain, crafting detailed maps essential for geographers. Maps play a crucial role in guiding us on our travels.

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Measuring Direction

Determining direction involves the use of a compass, a tool equipped with a magnetized pointer indicating north, east, south, and west. There exist three main types of compasses:

• A four-point compass is a basic tool with cardinal directions: north, east, south, and west.
• An eight-point compass provides more precision, adding north-east, south-east, north-west, and south-west to the cardinal directions.
• A sixteen-point compass offers even greater precision, including intermediate directions like north-north-east and west-south-west.

A sixteen-point compass

What are map symbols?

• Maps convey vast information about the depicted land areas. Due to the abundance of features, text alone isn't sufficient, hence the use of map symbols.
• These symbols encompass letters, colored regions, images, or lines, aiding in indicating various features like roads, viewpoints, bus stops, train stations, schools, and post offices.
• For instance, on Ordnance Survey (OS) maps, map symbols represent different aspects such as transport options, key services, and tourist attractions:

• These map symbols provide information on transportation choices in a region.
  

• These map symbols indicate the locations of essential services within an area.
  

• These map symbols show where to find attractions worth visiting in an area.

How do we show height on a map?

To show height on a map, contour lines are used.

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What do contour lines signify?

• Contour lines connect points of equal elevation and are typically depicted in orange on an Ordnance Survey (OS) map. 
• The numerical value displayed on a contour line indicates the altitude above sea level, measured in meters. 
• Normally, the spacing between contour lines is five meters, although in rugged terrains, such as mountainous areas, this interval may be extended to ten meters.

What do contour lines show?

The spacing between contour lines indicates the slope of the terrain:

• Widely spaced contour lines suggest a flat landscape.
• Contour lines that are closely packed together indicate steep terrain.

Contour lines show height on a map

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Spot Heights and Triangulation Pillars

• A map can feature spot heights, denoting the precise elevation of a specific point above sea level in meters. These values are typically displayed in small black text on the map.
• Triangulation pillars, denoted by a small blue triangle symbol on maps, are concrete pillars marking the highest points of the land. They were utilized by the OS in the past to enhance the accuracy of maps of Great Britain.

Triangulation points are most commonly found at the highest point of the land.

On this map, the spot height written in black shows that the height of the summit at the triangulation pillar at Garnedd Ugain (a mountain in Wales) is 1,065 metres exactly. At the bottom of the map we can see the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, is 1,085 metres.