Reading the map like a geographer
Draw a relief transect from a map
What does the land actually look like between two grid references?
Watch first
An English teaching video on this topic from Learn Bright. Watch it, then scroll down for the lesson.
What you need
Tick each one as you find it — 0 of 5 ready.
Plan the fair test
- Change: Distance along the transect line
- Measure: Height above sea level in metres
- Keep the same: Same map, same scale, contour interval read consistently
Objectives this evidences
- Interpret Ordnance Survey maps, including using grid references, scale, topographical and other thematic mapping, and aerial and satellite photographs
Do it, one step at a time
Step 1 of 5
- Step 1. Pick two points about 4 km apart and write down each six-figure grid reference.
- Step 2. Lay the paper strip between them and tick every contour line it crosses, labelling the height.
- Step 3. Transfer the ticks onto squared paper: distance along the bottom, height up the side.
- Step 4. Join the points to draw your cross-section, and mark on any river, road or settlement it crosses.
- Step 5. Describe the relief in geographical language: steep, gentle, valley, ridge, plateau.
What should happen
Contours bunched close together become a steep slope on your section; widely spaced contours become gentle ground. Rivers sit in the low points.
Think about: Vertical scale is usually exaggerated. How does that make hills look, and why do geographers accept it?
Write up your result
A sentence or two is enough to save it.
The lessons behind this practical
Each one opens with the same short film, and the film has a written transcript underneath if reading is easier than watching.
Now the quiz for this topic
Questions come from the lessons behind this practical, so nothing is asked that has not been taught.
Quiz
Reading the map like a geographer quiz
4 questions from the lessons in this stage. No timer, and you can try again as many times as you like.