Geography map skills
for A/A*’s
Grid references: Be accurate. The 3rd and 6th number
of a 6 figure grid reference can be 1 number out each way. Practice using this
summer’s resource booklet.
Map symbols: These will be provided in a key but
make sure you know the more familiar ones to save time in the exam. Have a look
at p9.
Scale and direction: The scale will be written on the
map. 1:50 000 means 2cm= 1km, so each cm
is 500m. 1: 25 000 means 4cm = 1km, so each cm is 250m. Always quote units-
you will get no marks without them.
Can you spot a contour on the map extract?
See worksheet: Contour Patterns & drawing a contour.
Describing rivers:
1.
Direction of flow (source to mouth) Hints: Water always flows downhill so look at
the contours. Tributaries also point in the direction of downhill.
2.
Speed of flow
– look at contours, as steep ground and straight channel = fast flow, flat land
and meanders = slow flow.
3.
Width
(estimate) Hints: A
thin blue line indicates a narrow channel.
4.
Course - State
whether the river is in the upper, middle or lower course? Hints:
Upper course: contours close together, presence of waterfalls, thin
river.
Middle course:
Meandering river, quite wide channel.
Lower course: Sometimes the mouth of the river is present, wide
channel, flat valley floor.
5. Number and
size of tributaries
6.
Physical
features - Tributaries, a confluence point, waterfalls, meanders,
ox-bow lakes, delta.
7.
Human features- In a lowland area, channels may be straightened artificially to prevent
flooding. There may be a reservoir on the river to collect water. Bridges, artificial
embankments.
Describing
settlement patterns:
Dispersed – a scattering
of houses over a large area – in rural / hilly areas /plains.
Linear – Houses along
a line e.g. a river/road/railway/coast.
Nucleated –
Grouping of houses around a centre (nucleus) at road
intersections/confluences/focal points.
Past question: Describe the
location of the science park [3]
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