Page 102 - The World About Us

Millet seed heads
Volcano sunrise
1.1.1
1.1.1
1.1.1
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2.2.3
2.2.33.1

How are maps used when studying Geography?

Maps are an essen al tool used by Isoline maps use lines to connect data
geographers. A er all, geography is the with the same value. Isolines include the Using OS mapping
study of how the world interacts with its contours lines on OS maps and the
different elements. It is interested in the isobars which connect areas of equal You must be as comfortable as
spa al rela onships between physical, pressure on a synop c weather map. possible with using Ordnance Survey
and human, features and processes. Flow line maps show movement maps at two scales: 1:25,000 (pathfinder)
Maps are such an excellent way of
between places. The thickness of the line and 1:50,000 (Landranger).
showing this spa al rela onship that we indica ng a value described in a key.
o en take them for granted. It is worth remembering that the grid
Desire-line maps show the general squares on these OS maps always
As part of the GCSE course, students direc on that goods or people follow represent one square kilometre. So the
are expected to be able to: from one place to another. They can give 4cm grid square is 1km wide and deep on
1. select, adapt and construct maps, using a very clear idea of general trends but can the 1:25,000 map and the 2cm square in
appropriate scales and annota ons, to
get confusing if there are too many lines. 1km on the 1:50,000 map. The grid line
present informa on. numbers are the same on both maps.
2. Interpret cross-sec ons and transects. Sphere of influence maps o en show
3. Use and understand coordinates, scale how towns and ci es a ract people for The two OS maps on the next page are
work, shopping of leisure from the at different scales. They are both centred
and distance.
surrounding area. They will o en use a on the same loca on, the railway sta on
4. Extract, interpret, analyse and evaluate
informa on. semi-transparent circle or sphere super- in Bromley Cross, Bolton at grid reference
5. Use and understand gradient, contour imposed over a base map. 729131. The 1:25,000 map gives more
and spot height. detail, including walls and fences, shown
6. Describe, interpret and analyse geo- as thin black lines. Look at the difference
spa al data presented in a GIS in grid square 7413.
framework. Barrow-in-Furness There care some differences in the
Lancaster
You can see how maps and other data Manchester symbols used. The ‘right of way’ public
interact using a GIS (Geographical footpaths are shown as red dashed lines
Trafford centre
Informa on Systems) framework on (with an addi onal diamond for
many websites including the ArcGIS site Liverpool Blackpool Preston Blackburn bridleways) on the 1:50,000 map but as
at www.arcgis.com. green dashed lines (with diamonds for
Stockport
There are many types of maps and Southport Rochdale bridleways) on the 1:25,000. Individual
Bolton Bury
they each have par cular uses. Wigan Oldham buildings can be seen on the 1:25,000
Trafford Centre map, while the 1:50,000 shows blocks of
Atlas maps are useful for showing Saint Helens Manchester
Liverpool Warrington buildings that have been grouped
informa on across a large regional, Stockport
together. Thse differences can be seen
na onal or con nental scales. Poli cal
Northwich Macclesfield clearly in grid square 7313.
maps show na onal boundaries and
Chester
se lements, while physical maps use When describing a loca on in rela on
layer-colouring to indicate relief. Rivers, to another place always use compass
lakes, major roads, railways and ci es are Newcastle-under-Lyme direc ons. Try and give a sense of
also included. Fig.266 Sphere of Influence: NW shopping centres. distance using the appropriate scale.
Base maps have the outlines of Thema c maps are used to compare Using four and six-figure grid references is
con nents and countries, and features an important skill and essen al in loca ng
regions or na ons. A good example such
such as rivers. These can then have extra par cular features or places. If asked
a map is the IMF country category map in
informa on added to them. Base maps of about a feature's loca on you should use
the world are available for download figure 95 on page 32. a six-figure grid reference.
www.d-maps.com Route maps do exactly what they say The contour lines are given in 5 metre
and show you the actual journey needed
Choropleth maps are density shading intervals on the 1:25,000 map but at 10
maps which use different shades of the to travel from one place to another. metre intervals on the 1:50,000 map. You
same colour to indicate different values. Sketch maps (fig.265, page 101) are can see this clearly in grid square 7413.
Look at the Human development Index useful in conveying simple spa al If you want to refresh your OS map
maps on page 35. They are great for rela onships if precision is not essen al. skills a great place top start is online with
indica ng large scale pa erns but less They are a good memory aid for revision the Ordnance Survey. Click on the
useful at showing fine differences at a and help ensure the spa al rela onship ‘beginners guides’ bu on at
more local scale. between places is not forgo en.
www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getoutside/guides

102

Geographical skills.