Maps Flashcards
How can the scale of a map be read?
The first number is the paper value (in cm) whilst the second is the real life value (usually in centimetres)
How do you convert distances on a map based off the scale?
You multiply the length you got in centimetres by the real life centimetre value (second value) of the scale
You then divide this by 100 (to get the result in metres) or by 1000 (to get it in kilometres)
Eastings
The two-digit numbers on the bottom (x-axis): as they increase when travelling east
Northings
The two-digit numbers on the left (y axis): as they increase when travelling north.
How to read the four figure grid reference?
- Look at the bottom left corner of the square on the map
- Write the easting (bottom number)
- Write the northing (side number)
How to read six figure grid references?
- Read the easting from the bottom left corner and write it down
- Divide the square into tenth lines vertically (usually done by visibility)
- Read the easting (vertical line) on which the point is placed as a tenth of the square and write its number
- Read the northing of the square and write it down
- Divide the square into tenth lines horizontally
- Read the northing (horizontal line) on which the value is
Order of six figure reference number
- Main easting number
- Tenth easting number (vertical lines)
- Main northing number
- Tenth northing number (horizontal lines)
Rules of bearings
- Measure from the north - usually upwards but check map
- Measure clockwise (to the right)
- Write final value as three digits if required (90 degrees = 090)
Countour lines
Contour lines connect points of equal altitude (elevation above sea level) on a map.
Contour lines are far apart
gradient of the terrain will be low
* gently sloping relief
Countour lines are close together
steep gradient
* steep relief
Descriping cross sections (5)
- slopes are concave or convex
- the gradient is steep or gentle
- the maximum height
- the type of feature shown (eg. hill, mountain, mountain range, flood plain, plateau etc.)
- characteristics of a feature ( broad, flat, etc.)
Transect line
a straight line that cuts through a natural landscape so that standardized observations and measurements can be made (line of best fit)
Finding gradient on a cross section
- Find difference in altitude
- Then the distance between the two points
- Altitude / distance = gradient
- Rise / Run
What can be asked about interpreting maps? (name 3)
- identifying settlement patterns
- identifying street patterns and types of residence
- siting of a settlement and its advantage
- human locational factors
- natural features
- land uses
- functions of an area
- how humans have changed the environment
