Mapwork Geography: Grade 8

What is a map? A map is a generalised and reduced representation of (a portion of) the curved surface of the earth on a flat surface.

Topo-whaaat? What is a topographic map? What features are included? A map that shows the features of the Earth’s surface. What features are included? Physical (natural) features (like hills, valleys, cliffs, rivers, marshes, vegetation) Constructed features (like towns, roads, railways and sports fields).

How do we identify these features? Conventional signs indicate features on maps. The use of colour aids the interpretation od these symbols.

What is a conventional sign? A letter or symbol indicating a particular feature Point Line Area

Where does colour come into the picture? Distinguish between two types of landscape: the natural / physical landscape the constructed / human landscape Making it easier: - Brown Five colours - Blue - Green - Black - Red

Brown Symbol

Blue Symbol

Green Symbol

Red Symbol

Black Symbol

How do we find positions on topographical maps? By using a grid reference we can easily pin point information on a map.

Latitude North Pole (90° N) Northern Hemisphere Equator (0°) Southern Hemisphere Equator (0°) South Pole (90° S)

Longitude North Pole (90° N) Greenwich Meridian 0° Western Hemisphere Eastern Hemisphere Greenwich Meridian 0° South Pole (90° S)

Latitude & longitude S;E Northern Hemisphere Western Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere Eastern Hemisphere Western Hemisphere S;E

1 2 3 4 5 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 A B C D E F

1 2 3 4 5 A B C D E F