Grade 10 Geography – Term 3: Mapwork Notes
Mapwork in Term 3 focuses on topographic maps, orthophoto maps,
and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). These skills are essential
for analysing landscapes, settlements, and human-environment
interactions.
1. Topographic Maps
Definition: A topographic map shows both natural and human-made
features using symbols, contour lines, and colours.
Key Features of Topographic Maps
Feature Description
Contour
Lines joining places of equal height.
Lines
Contour
Vertical distance between contour lines (e.g., 20m).
Interval
Spot Height Exact elevation of a point (e.g., ● 450).
Trig Beacon Survey marker (∆) showing exact height.
Slope/ Steepness of land (calculated as vertical
Gradient difference ÷ horizontal distance).
Ratio of map distance to real distance
Scale
(e.g., 1:50,000 means 1cm = 50,000cm or 0.5km).
Landforms & Contour Patterns
Landform Contour Pattern
Hill/ Concentric circles (smaller inside =
Mountain higher).
Landform Contour Pattern
V-shaped contours
Valley
pointing upstream.
V-shaped contours
Ridge
pointing downhill.
Cliff Very close (or overlapping) contours.
Wide flat area with few contour
Plateau
lines.
Calculations
Calculations
1. Gradient = Vertical Interval (VI) ÷ Horizontal Equivalent (HE)
o VI = Height difference between two points.
o HE = Map distance × scale.
Example:
o Point A = 200m, Point B = 350m, Distance = 5cm, Scale =
1:10,000
o VI = 350m – 200m = 150m
o HE = 5cm × 10,000 = 50,000cm (500m)
o Gradient = 150m ÷ 500m = 0.3 (or 30%)
2. Distance & Area Calculation
o Real Distance = Map Distance × Scale Denominator
o Area = Length × breath(using real distances).
Orthophoto Maps
Definition: An aerial photograph adjusted to remove distortions (unlike
a normal photo).
Differences Between Topographic & Orthophoto Maps
Featu
Topographic Map Orthophoto Map
re
Type Line map with symbols Aerial photograph
Colou Standard (blue = water, green =
Real-life colours
rs vegetation)
Detail Shows actual buildings,
Uses symbols & contour lines
s roads, trees
Scale Fixed scale (e.g., 1:50,000) Scale may vary slightly
Uses: Urban planning, disaster management, agriculture.
3. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Definition: A computer system that captures, stores, analyses, and
displays geographic data.
Components of GIS
1. Data Input (e.g., satellite images, surveys).
2. Data Storage (layers – e.g., roads, rivers, elevation).
3. Data Analysis (e.g., flood risk mapping).
4. Data Output (maps, graphs, 3D models).
Types of GIS Data
Vector Data (points, lines, polygons – e.g., cities, roads).
Raster Data (pixel-based – e.g., satellite images).
Exam Tips
✅ Practice calculating gradients, distances, and areas.
✅ Learn contour patterns for hills, valleys, and cliffs.
✅ Compare orthophoto maps with topographic maps.
✅ Understand basic GIS uses (e.g., tracking disease
outbreaks).