GeoSkills

Home / Revision / GeoSkills

Mapskills | Describing Maps | Drawing Sketch Maps and Diagrams | Field Sketching

As well as testing your geographical knowledge, your geography

exam will also test whether you can apply your geographical skills.
The GeoSkills section aims to help you to develop your
geographical skills. Some of the geographical skills you will need to
develop and practice are listed below:

Map Skills

Describing Maps

Drawing Sketch Maps and Diagrams

Field Sketching

Map Skills

Ordnance Survey (OS) maps are the standard maps for the UK. Most Geography exams will have at
least one set of questions involving an OS map, most commonly at the 1:50 000 or 1:25 000 scale.

Once you know your map skills, the best way of revising for map questions is getting used to looking
at maps. Describe different areas on the map to yourself, and try to imagine what they would look
like.

Symbols

Many map extracts used in GCSE geography exams have a key, but is it a good idea to know the
common symbols to save time and get a better 'feel' for the map. Note that the symbols on 1:50 000
and 1:25 000 maps are slightly different - usually in colour rather than shape.

Click the links below to view the most commonly used symbols on Ordnance Survey Maps.

General Symbols
Abbreviations
Footpaths and Rights of Way
Roads
Hills and Rock Features
Tourist Information
Water Features

Now test yourself - What do these symbols mean below ?

Rollover each symbol to find out what they mean .

Direction

Direction is given using the points of a compass. You need to know at least an eight point compass.
Most maps have the points of the compass marked on them. Remember that the top of the map is
always North. Ordnance Survey (OS) maps have thin blue lines running from North to South and
East to West.

It is important to be able to use directions, especially if you are asked to describe the location or
distribution of something.

Important - If you are asked to give directions, check whether the question says 'from' or 'to' a
feature - it is easy to go wrong by mistake.
 Grid References

There are two main types of grid reference :

> 4 Figure - for example 0734 this indicates a square on an OS map

> 6 Figure - for example 073347 shows a point within a square.

In an exam, you may be asked to give a grid reference for a feature on a

map (the question will usually say what type of grid reference) or you may
be asked what feature is found at a particular reference.

4 Figure Grid References

Always give the number along the bottom first. Some people remember
this by 'along the corridor and up the stairs' . Find the square you want, find the Eastings (across)
value for the left side of the square, and then find the Northings (up) value for the bottom of the
square. Write down the numbers and you have a four figure grid reference. For example the letter A
in the example below is 02 across and 51 up and therefore has the four figure grid reference is 0251.

The letters on the map opposite would have the

following 4 Figure grid references

A = 02 51

B = 02 50

C = 01 50

D = 01 51

6 Figure Grid References

Start by working out the basic four figure grid reference. Then imagine the square is divided up into
tenths. You can do this by eye or more accurately using a ruler. Using the example below the is in
the square 0150, although more accurately it is 5 tenths across and 8 tenths up within the grid
square 0150 and therefore has the six figure grid reference 017508.

The shapes on the map opposite would have the

following 6 Figure grid references

= 017508

= 015503

Scale

OS map extracts usually include a scale at the bottom. On most maps, one grid square measures 1
km in real life, so you can work out the scale.
 Scales can be given in three ways :

1. a ratio, for example 1:50 000 (1cm on the map = 50 000cm in real life )
2. a statement, for example 2cm = 1km
3. a scale line

You will need to be familiar with maps at 1:50 000 and 1: 25 000.

On a 1:50 000 map, 2cm are equal to 1 km, and on a 1:25 000 map, 4cm are equal to 1 km.

You will probably be asked to measure the distance between two places on a map. The easiest way
to do this is with a piece of paper. Place the piece of paper on the map, between the two places you
want to measure. Then put the piece of paper along the scale at the bottom of the map.

Using the example opposite, the distance between the two churches in the diagram is 0.5km.

If you are measuring a wavy line such as a road or river, you can use a string (if you happen to have
some!) or the edge of scrap paper.

Height and Relief

There are two main ways of showing height on OS maps :

1. Contour Lines

2. Spot Heights

All points along a contour line are at the same height. On 1:50 000 and 1:25 000 maps, the lines go
up in tens, and the 50 and 100 metre lines are in bold.

On OS maps, the tops of the numbers always point upslope, so you should know which way is up,
even if you can only see one number (Note this is not always the case on black and white maps in
exam papers - use your common sense)

Remember the closer the contour lines, the steeper the slope.

Back
Top

Grid References

There are two main types of grid reference :

> 4 Figure - for example 0734 this indicates a square on an OS map

> 6 Figure - for example 073347 shows a point within a square.

In an exam, you may be asked to give a grid reference for a feature on a map (the question will usually say what
type of grid reference) or you may be asked what feature is found at a particular reference.
 4 Figure Grid References

Always give the number along the bottom first. Some people remember this by 'along the corridor
and up the stairs' . Find the square you want, find the Eastings (across) value for the left side of the
square, and then find the Northings (up) value for the bottom of the square. Write down the numbers
and you have a four figure grid reference. For example the letter A in the example below is 02
across and 51 up and therefore has the four figure grid reference is 0251.

The letters on the map opposite would have the following

4 Figure grid references

A = 02 51

B = 02 50

C = 01 50

D = 01 51

6 Figure Grid References

Start by working out the basic four figure grid reference. Then imagine the square is divided up into tenths. You can
do this by eye or more accurately using a ruler. Using the example below the is in the square 0150, although more
accurately it is 5 tenths across and 8 tenths up within the grid square 0150 and therefore has the six figure grid
reference 017508.

The shapes on the map opposite would have the following

6 Figure grid references

= 017508

= 015503

Scale

OS map extracts usually include a scale at the bottom. On most maps, one grid square measures 1 km in real life,
so you can work out the scale.

Scales can be given in three ways :

1. a ratio, for example 1:50 000 (1cm on the map = 50 000cm in real life )
2. a statement, for example 2cm = 1km
3. a scale line

You will need to be familiar with maps at 1:50 000 and 1: 25 000.

On a 1:50 000 map, 2cm are equal to 1 km, and on a 1:25 000 map, 4cm are equal to 1 km.

You will probably be asked to measure the distance between two places on a map. The easiest way to do this is with
a piece of paper. Place the piece of paper on the map, between the two places you want to measure. Then put the
piece of paper along the scale at the bottom of the map.
Using the example opposite, the distance between the two churches in the diagram is 0.5km.

If you are measuring a wavy line such as a road or river, you can use a string (if you happen to have some!) or the
edge of scrap paper.

Height and Relief

There are two main ways of showing height on OS maps :

1. Contour Lines

2. Spot Heights

All points along a contour line are at the same height. On 1:50 000 and 1:25 000 maps, the lines go up in tens, and
the 50 and 100 metre lines are in bold.

On OS maps, the tops of the numbers always point upslope, so you should know which way is up, even if you can
only see one number (Note this is not always the case on black and white maps in exam papers - use your common
sense)

Remember the closer the contour lines, the steeper the slope.

GeoSkills
Home / Revision / GeoSkills / Describing Maps

Mapskills | Describing Maps | Drawing Sketch Maps and Diagrams | Field Sketching

Describing Maps

Both OS maps and statistical maps are common in geography exams, and you could be asked to describe what you
see on them.

Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions on maps in geography exams.

1 . Describe the relief of ...

Remember relief is the shape of the land - saying it is high or low is not enough. You will need
to use the following in your description :

- grid references
- accurate height measurements
- compass directions
- and name any landscape features

Practise describing relief by clicking on the map opposite

2. Describe the location of ...

Location means where something is - try to be precise and refer to the following :

- landmarks
- distances
- compass directions

Practise describing the location of the steelworks by clicking on the map opposite

3. Describe the distribution ...

Distribution means how something is spread out over an area. You should try to use the following words when
describing distributions :

Linear - in a line
Clustered / Nucleated - concentrated / in a clump
Radial - coming out from the centre - like spokes on a wheel
Concentric - rings inside one another
Random - no pattern
Dispersed - spread out

Practise describing the disctirbution of churches in London by clicking on the map opposite

Drawing Sketch Maps and Diagrams

Sketch maps and diagrams can be used in a number of ways in a geography exam. The main ways
in which sketch maps/diagrams can be used in an exam is to back up a case study or perhaps to
support a decision you may make in for example a 'Decision Making Exercise'.

A Typical Sketch Map

 When drawing sketch maps, remember that you are not being assessed on your artistic ability -
examiners are interested in your ability to remember and apply geographical information - although
remember that your sketch maps/diagrams will need to be neat.

Use only pencils for drawing and pens for labels. Coloured pencils are useful to highlight features for
example roads. Include clear labels on maps and diagrams and remember to include a key when
appropriate. All sketch maps need to be fully explained and maps will need to be annotated (detailed
labels) to show more information.

How Do I Revise Sketch Maps ?

It might seem quite daunting when you start your revision - there will be several case studies and
associated sketch maps/diagrams to remember. During your revision, draw a simple copy of each
sketch map/diagram and look at it for a while, cover it over and then draw it on some scrap paper,
then check this copy with the original. Keep practising until it is correct, and remember to check it
again before the exam.

Field Sketching

Field sketching is an important geographical skill, and as the name suggests it involves making a sketch of a landform or
feature of interest in the field. Many students will argue that a photograph achieves the same thing as making a field sketch,
although it can never really replace a well drawn field sketch.

The field sketch below illustrates a typical geographical scene and a completed field sketch of approximately the same scene.
Notice the information that has been highlighted and the information and details that were omitted - This is the key to
successful field sketching.
An Example of an Effective Field Sketch

Coastal Landforms along the the Dorset Coast

Durdle Door - East Dorset, UK 2/11/01
(looking east towards Weymouth from the South West Coast Path)
(Grid Reference - 806803)

Coastal Landforms along the the Dorset Coast

Durdle Door - East Dorset, UK 2/11/01
(looking east towards Weymouth from the South West Coast Path)
(Grid Reference - 806803)

Field sketches have a number of advantages :

they encourage observers to look more closely at a feature.

they encourage observers to record their observations at the most appropriate time in the field.

they allow observers to make decisions about the details they wish to record and which to omit.

they allow observers to explain what they can see.

they create a summary of any observations taken at a particular time and place.

Guidance for Field Sketching

Field sketches need to be clear - they are not about your artistic ability, but more about your ability to identify geographical
features in the field. Field sketches will however need to look like the feature depicted in the field. Most natural features can be
quite difficult to draw, although the following notes of guidance may help.

Divide your page up into three equal parts by drawing two horizontal lines across your page.

Dividing a page into a grid may also help in accurately placing features within a field sketch.

Identify the boundaries of your field sketch. A handheld cardboard frame may help.
Sketch the horizon first followed by the scene's major features.

Hold a pencil at arms length to help with working out the proportions of the main features.

By using a grid it is easy to work systematically, adding and omitting information.

Use shading and lines to illustrate slope angle, and symbols for common features like woodland.

Remember to give your sketch a full and detailed title. Look at the title of the field sketch above.

Remember to make it clear what your field sketch is trying to show - add this to your title.

Remember to label / annotate all features in full - explaining clearly what the highlighted feature is.

Back