Definitions Flashcards
What is the definition of a scale?
A scale is the ratio of the size of objects on a map compared to their size in the real world.
What are the 3 ways that you can display a scale?
- In words; ex. 1cm to 30 cm
- As a ratio; ex. 1:30 (say it was 1cm to 30cm)
- As a line divided into cm, and then labeled.
Where is the scale marked, and what is it used for?
It is always marked on a plan, so that people can tell the size of an object in real life.
What are grid references?
They are a set of numbers, or numbers and letters, that tells you where to find something on a map.
What are contour lines?
Contour lines are lines that join all of the places at the same height above sea level. The number on a line shows the height in metres.
What are spot heights?
They are dots that give the exact height of a spot, in metres above sea level.
What are reliefs?
A relief is shown on maps 3 main ways:
- contour lines
- spot heights
- colour shading
What is a population?
It is the number of people living in a place.
What is a population density?
The average number of people living in a place per square kilometre.
What is a source?
The source is where the river starts. It could be a spring, lake, a melting glacier, or a hollow where a lot of rain collects.
What is a V-shaped valley?
A river runs in a valley: an area with higher land on each side.
What is a tributary?
Smaller rivers join the main one. They are called tributaries.
What is a confluence?
The point where two rivers join.
What is a floodplain?
The flat land beside the river, which may flood when a river overflows, is called a floodlain.
What is a watershed?
The watershed is the dividing line between one river basin and the next. It is usually a ridge of higher land.
