Geography Grade 10 Term 1
Map Work
1. SCALES
A map scale shows the relationship between distance on a map and the actual distance
on the ground. Scales are essential in map reading because they allow accurate
measurement and calculation of real-world distances.
There are four main types of scales
1.1 Word Scale (Statement Scale)
This scale expresses distance in words.
Example: 1 cm represents 1 km
This means 1 centimetre on the map equals 1 kilometre on the ground.
To calculate:
If 5 cm is measured on the map and the scale is 1 cm represents 1 km:
5 cm = 5 km in reality.
1.2 Ratio Scale (Representative Fraction – RF)
This scale is written as a ratio without units.
Example: 1 : 50 000
This means 1 unit on the map equals 50 000 of the same units on the ground.
Example:
1 cm on the map = 50 000 cm on the ground
50 000 cm = 500 m
Ratio scales are useful because they can be used with any unit of measurement.
1.3 Fraction Scale
This is another way of writing a ratio scale.
Example: 1/50 000
It means the same as 1 : 50 000.
1 unit on the map represents 50 000 units on the ground.
1.4 Line Scale (Bar Scale)
This scale is shown as a line divided into equal sections.
Each section represents a specific ground distance.
It is useful because it remains accurate even if the map is enlarged or reduced.
To use a line scale:
• Measure the map distance using a ruler or string.
• Transfer that measurement onto the bar scale.
• Read the real distance directly from the scale.
2. CONVENTIONAL SIGNS AND MAP SYMBOLS
Maps use symbols to represent physical and human features. These symbols are standardised
and are found in the map key or legend.
Geography Grade 10 Term 1
Map Work
2.1 Conventional Signs
These are symbols agreed upon internationally to represent features.
Examples include:
• Roads, Rivers, Railways, Dams, Schools, Police stations
2.2 Types of Map Symbols
Point Symbols – represent specific locations (e.g. trig beacon, windmill).
Line Symbols – represent linear features (e.g. roads, rivers, railway lines).
Area Symbols – represent features covering an area (e.g. forests, built-up areas).
2.3 Importance of Conventional Signs
• They allow maps to be understood worldwide.
• They provide information quickly and clearly.
• They reduce the need for lengthy descriptions.
5. Map Referencing / Co-ordinates
This is the method of finding any point on the map
5.1 LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE
This is the method of finding the co-ordinates of a place.
SOUTH AFRICA IS ALWAYS ONLY SOUTH AND EAST
Remember, Latitude and Longitude is measured in degrees, minutes and tenths of a minute
(or seconds).
Latitude is ALWAYS stated first and Longitude second.
If you do not say South and East, you get NO marks.
5.2 ALPHA –NUMERIC MAP CODE
To work out which map it is, the rule is
LATITUDE, LONGITUDE, BIG LETTER (Block), LITTLE LETTER (Block)
Eg. 2 2 2 6 A B
Geography Grade 10 Term 1
Map Work
ACTIVITY 1
TOPIC: TYPES OF SCALES
1. Define the term map scale. (2)
2. Differentiate between a word scale and a ratio scale. (4)
3. Convert the following ratio scale into a word scale:
1 : 100 000 (4)
4. Explain why a line scale remains accurate when a map is enlarged. (2)
Total: 12 marks
ACTIVITY 2
TOPIC: CALCULATIONS USING SCALE
1. A map has a scale of 1 : 50 000. Calculate the real distance if the map distance is 6
cm. Show all calculations. (4)
2. Convert 3 km into centimetres. (2)
3. On a map with a word scale of 1 cm represents 2 km, two towns are 4,5 cm apart.
Calculate the real distance. (4)
4. Explain the steps you would follow when using a line scale to measure a curved road.
(2)
Total: 12 marks
ACTIVITY 3
TOPIC: CONVENTIONAL SIGNS AND MAP SYMBOLS
1. Define the term conventional signs. (2)
2. Classify the following as point, line or area symbols:
a) Railway line
b) Dam
c) Forest
d) School (4)
3. Explain why conventional signs are important in map reading. (4)
4. Interpret the symbol of a blue line on a topographic map. (2)
Total: 12 marks
Total: 36 marks
MEMORANDUM – ACTIVITY 1
1. A map scale shows the relationship between distance on a map and the actual distance
on the ground. (2)
2. Word scale: Written in words (1); shows units such as cm and km (1).
Ratio scale: Written as numbers separated by a colon (1); has no units (1). (4)
3. 1 : 100 000 means 1 cm represents 100 000 cm (2).
100 000 cm = 1 km (2).
Therefore: 1 cm represents 1 km. (4)
Geography Grade 10 Term 1
Map Work
4. Because it enlarges or reduces proportionally with the map (1); therefore distances
remain correct when measured against the bar (1). (2)
MEMORANDUM – ACTIVITY 2
1. 1 : 50 000
6 cm × 50 000 = 300 000 cm (2)
300 000 cm ÷ 100 000 = 3 km (2) (4)
2. 1 km = 100 000 cm
3 km = 300 000 cm (2)
3. 4,5 cm × 2 km = 9 km (4)
4. Measure the curved road using string or paper (1);
Place it against the line scale and read the real distance (1). (2)
MEMORANDUM – ACTIVITY 3
1. Conventional signs are standard symbols used on maps to represent physical and
human features. (2)
2. Railway line – Line symbol (1)
Dam – Area symbol (1)
Forest – Area symbol (1)
School – Point symbol (1) (4)
3. They provide clear information (1);
Allow international understanding (1);
Reduce written explanations (1);
Help accurate interpretation of maps (1). (4)
4. A blue line represents a river or stream (2).