Scribd
Upload
32 views12 pages

Understanding Topographical Maps and Grid References

The document provides guidelines for using topographical maps in exams, including how to interpret grid references, scales, bearings, and height indicators. It explains the importance of using compass points and contour lines to understand the landscape's features. Additionally, it includes exam tips for measuring distances and interpreting cross-sections.

Uploaded by

Antonate
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
32 views12 pages

Understanding Topographical Maps and Grid References

The document provides guidelines for using topographical maps in exams, including how to interpret grid references, scales, bearings, and height indicators. It explains the importance of using compass points and contour lines to understand the landscape's features. Additionally, it includes exam tips for measuring distances and interpreting cross-sections.

Uploaded by

Antonate
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Maps

 Questions in the exam will be based on topographical maps


o The maps can be from anywhere in the world
o Maps will have a key, scale, northings and eastings
o These all need to be used to answer the questions

Grid references

 4-figure are used to locate specific grid squares within the map
o The first two figures are the eastings which indicate how far east or west a
grid is across the map
o The second two figures are the northings which indicate how far north or
south a grid is on the map
 6-figure grid references are used to locate exact points within grid squares
o The first three figures are the eastings
o The second three figures are the northings
 To find a 4 and 6 figure grid reference
o First, find the four-figure grid reference by giving the number from the
bottom of the map first and then the number from the side of the map.

4 - figure grid reference


o In image above the 4-figure grid reference would be 17, 51
o To give the 6-figure grid reference you need to image that the grid square
is divided into 100 smaller squares
Worked example

Figure 1.1 shows some of the features around the main settlement at
Misterblanco in the north east of the map extract.

What is the six-figure grid reference of the junction at point G in Fig 1.1?

[1]

 Answer:
o 994 879
Exam Tip

The paper 2 exam will always contain a map. You will be expected to be able to give
and use grid references to locate specific places on the map extract.
Scale

 Maps in the exam will either be scale 1:25,000 where 1cm on the map =
25,000cm (250m) in real life or 1:50,000 where 1cm =50,000cm (500m) in real
life
 When the distance is straight or almost straight it can either be measured using a
ruler or the edge of a straight piece of paper.
 Using the scale at the bottom of the map mark distances are marked on a piece
of paper.
 This can then be laid from the first point to the second point to calculate the
distance.

Using scale to measure a straight line

 A distance along a curved route can be divided, the paper rotated and marked in
stages to calculate the full distance
 To measure from A to B following the road on the map below the route can be
divided into a series of straight sections using crosses.
 The plain piece of paper can then be used to measure from A to the first cross. It
should then be rotated, pivoting at the cross to mark the second cross.
Measuring a Curved Route
Bearings

 Directions on a map should always be given using compass points


 There are 16 compass points
Sixteen Compass Points

 A grid bearing is measured from grid north at 0o, East is 90o, South is 180o and
West is 270o
 Grid bearings are given using a protractor
o The 0o should be pointing north and the centre of the protractor on the
place the bearing is been given from
o The compass direction and grid bearing from the crossroads at A to the
location at B
 On the map below B is South West of A
 The bearing is 280o

Height

 Height can be shown in three main ways;


o Spot height
o Contour lines
o Trigonometrical stations
 Spot heights show the height at a specific point with the height measurement
written next to it
 Contour lines are isolines. They join points of equal height and are usually at 5 or
10 meter intervals (distance between the contour line)
o This means that the height of the land increases by 5 or 10 meters
between the lines
 Trigonometrical station is marked by a small black triangle with a height
measurement written next to it

Topography
 The contour lines can also indicate the shape and slope of the land or
topography
 Contour lines close together indicates steep land
 Contour lines very far apart indicates gently sloping or flat land dependent on the
distance apart
 V-shaped valleys have a v-shaped set of contours
 A hill is shown by a set of circular contour lines

Contour lines
Worked example

Study the map extract and Fig 1 for Stoumont, Belgium. The scale is 1:50000
Fig 1

Using the map extract, identify the following features shown in fig 1

The height above sea level of the contour at C

.................... metres
[1]

 Answer:
o 250 metres

Cross-sections

 A cross-section is a slice through the landscape


 They are represented on a map by a line which is often labelled A at one end and
B at the other
 They use the contour lines to determine the height of the land

Cross-section on a map

 A piece of paper is then laid along the line and points A and B are marked on
 The contour lines are then marked on each time they cross the paper

Marking on the contour lines

 These figures can then be used to create the cross-section


Exam Tip

In the exam you may be asked to finish a cross-section or interpret a cross-section.


When interpreting cross-sections you should include;

 The highest and lowest points


 Comparison of slopes
 Anamolies

Key

 Maps can be used to identify a range of landscape features


 These may be physical and human features
 Each map has a key to show what the symbols mean

Kkojlknbvhhjjjkjkkoiooo,/.,mmnnvb ,,zxc,,mnjkiollb;vbbm,l….c,,v,.4syjchhjzlcx,jghvjb,nv
mbhhhhkjjvjkkvnvk,,xcmvjbknjjiijiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiicmvm m
m ,mm,kmmmmmm//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttu
uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuiocvckm ,m vkvvkkk
vmm,vmjfoovfjdkl,vmmm,,c,,c,,c,,,,[Link]-0-
clchdfkvgjhhhjjhjvmmfkkikkkcnnbbxxxxmvm,mvv,v,,,bcb
lnlnnnlhnm,m,n,nn,,nnl;ll;l;l;’’’;’v///

Example of a Map Key

Test yourselfNext topic

Common questions

Powered by AI

The method for determining 4-figure grid references involves identifying specific grid squares by using two numbers for eastings and two numbers for northings, which locate a general area within the map. In contrast, 6-figure grid references are more precise as they further divide the grid square into 100 smaller squares, using three numbers for eastings and three for northings to pinpoint an exact location. This increased detail significantly enhances accuracy, allowing for the precise identification of specific points, such as a junction at point G in Fig 1.1 with the reference 994 879 .

Measuring a curved route begins by dividing the route into segments marked by specific points or crosses. A piece of paper is used to mark the distance from the starting point to the first cross, then progressively along each segment by rotating and pivoting the paper at these crosses. This method ensures that each curve section's length is accurately measured by aligning the paper with the route's twists and turns, providing an accurate real-world distance calculation even on complex terrain .

Contour lines on a topographical map are isolines that connect points of equal elevation. They are significant because they indicate the height of the land and can reveal the shape and slope of the landscape. Close contour lines suggest steep terrain, while widely spaced ones indicate gentle slopes or flat land. The patterns they form can also help identify specific features such as V-shaped valleys or hills, making them indispensable for understanding an area's topography .

Choosing a 1:25,000 scale means 1 cm on the map equals 250 meters in reality, offering detailed representations suitable for local navigation and accurate measurements at short distances. Conversely, a 1:50,000 scale, where 1 cm corresponds to 500 meters, is ideal for broader overviews, covering more extensive areas with less detail. This choice affects interpretation and measurement by determining the level of detail visible and the precision in calculating real-world distances; thus, selecting an appropriate scale is crucial based on the map's intended use .

Accurately determining bearings between points enables precise direction setting, which is crucial for effective navigation. This skill ensures travelers can plot and maintain correct courses, utilizing compass readings to account for terrain shifts and obstacles. Complementary tools include protractors for measuring grid bearings from established points, maps detailing compass points, and even digital devices that provide real-time updates. Together these tools and skills form a reliable navigation system highlighting efficiency and reliability in route planning and execution .

Spot heights indicate specific elevation points on a map with numbers directly showing height details, offering precise location elevations. Contour lines, however, represent continuous elevation changes across an area, showing the landscape's shape and slope with lines of equal altitude. Trigonometrical stations provide precise height measurements at specific points marked by triangles with elevations, used mainly for triangulation purposes. Each method offers distinct data - spot heights for exact points, contour lines for overall topography, and triangles for survey accuracy .

Cross-sections serve as vertical slices through a landscape, visually rendering the terrain's profile between two points, like A and B. They enable an in-depth understanding of the topography by illustrating elevations and slope variations. When interpreting cross-sections, one should focus on identifying the highest and lowest points, comparing differing slopes, and noting anomalies. This examination helps in assessing how the land is structured and provides a practical visual for terrain elevations and layout .

Maps utilize the 16 compass points to guide navigation by offering cardinal and intercardinal directions. Grid bearings measure angles from grid north where 0° aligns with north, and directions such as East (90°) and South West (230°) guide users accurately. Bearings provide detailed angular positions relative to north for precise navigation, as seen when determining that B is South West of A, facilitating improved orientation and decision making .

Distances on maps can be measured using a ruler or a piece of paper for straight lines, with the map's scale applying for precise real-life conversions. For curved routes, distances can be divided into series of straight segments by placing crosses along the route. A piece of paper is then used to measure from one point to the next, rotating as needed to continue along the path, allowing for accurate distance calculations even on varied terrains .

A map's key is vital as it explains the symbols used to represent various physical and human landscape features, facilitating an accurate interpretation of the map's contents. The key enables users to convert the map's visual information into real-world phenomena characteristics, enhancing understanding and usability by linking symbols to specific geographical elements or structures, thus improving the map's practical application .

You might also like