MAP READING SKILLS

WHAT IS A TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP? A topographical map is a map that shows human and natural / physical features to scale on the Earth’s surface. It also shows that the location of human features or settlements is influenced by the nature of the physical landscape.

Elements of a topographical map Title PULAU UBIN 46 45 44 43 42 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 N Grid lines Contours Names of places North arrow

Identify and label the elements of a topographical map Find the 4 fig grid ref of the quarry and Ladang Koyan Find the 6 fig grid ref of X and the mosque

title grid lines contour lines scales

map symbols legend or key

GRID REFERENCES Vertical lines on topo maps are called eastings Horizontal lines are called northings Together they are called grid lines They help to find locations on a map

northings eastings 24 23 22 grid squares 21 31 32 33 34

GRID REFERENCES The four – figure grid reference is used to find a location on a grid square The six – figure grid reference is used for more accurate location

55 northings 54 34 35 eastings

FOUR FIGURE GRID REFERENCE 55 54 34 54 34 35

FOUR FIGURE GRID REFERENCE 55 33 55 54 34 35

SIX FIGURE GRID REFERENCE 55 northings 54 34 35 eastings

Six-figure grid reference 55 9 8 7 6 northings 5 4 3 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 54 34 35 eastings

Six-figure grid reference 55 9 8 7 6 northings 5 4 3 2 1 54 34 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 35 eastings

Six-figure grid reference 55 9 8 34 3 54 7 x 7 northings 6 5 4 eastings 3 2 7 8 9 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 54 34 35

Six-figure grid reference 55 9 8 7 6 northings 5 34 4 54 4 Z 4 3 2 7 8 9 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 54 34 35 eastings

REMEMBER: Always read the eastings first then the northings

SCALES

SCALES Scales are used to show distance on a map Can be represented in many ways Use line scale and representative fraction in topo maps

What is wrong with this map? There is no scale. Cannot indicate distance. How big is this area?

Type of scale Representative fraction

Type of scale Line scale

Measuring distance by a representative fraction Tracing the route with a piece of string Measuring straight distance with a ruler 1: 50 000

MEASUREMENT Use a string to align between the 2 points Mark the points Use a ruler to measure in cm Multiply by the scale given in the map Divide by 100 000 to get the answer in km

DIRECTIONS

COMPASS DIRECTIONS NNW NNE NORTH WEST NORTH EAST WNW ENE WEST EAST WSW ESE SOUTH WEST SOUTH EAST SSE SSW SOUTH

Using compass directions Give directions to the boatman to steer his way out of the jetty to reach the island.

What problem do you think can happen if we use this method of giving directions? Lacks accuracy

COMPASS BEARINGS 0° 360 ° 45 ° 315 ° 90 ° 270 ° 135 ° 225 ° 180 ° NNW NNE 45 ° 315 ° NORTH EAST NORTH WEST WNW ENE 90 ° 270 ° WEST EAST ESE WSW SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST 225 ° 135 ° SSE SSW SOUTH 180 °

What is the direction of the mosque from Saujana Hill? southeast N

What is the direction of the school from Saujana Hill? southeast N

What is the direction of the dam from Upper Mandai II? Northeast North

North Southeast What is the direction of the school from the pier?

What is the bearing of the school from Upper Mandai II?

What is the bearing of Upper Mandai II from the school?

Y 0° X 90° 180° To find the bearings of (Y) from (X) For bearings from less than 180 ° Draw the North line that is parallel to the eastings on the map From X Read bearings in the clockwise direction Y 0° Draw a line to join X and Y X 90° Align protractor along the North Line with 0° corresponding to North 180°

0° Y X 90° 180° To find the bearings of (Y) from (X) For bearings more than 180 ° Draw the North line that is parallel to the eastings on the map From X Read bearings in the anti-clockwise direction, then subtract from 360° 0° Y Draw a line to join X and Y X 90° Align protractor along the North Line with 0° corresponding to North 180°

N

Find the bearings of the mosque from Saujana Hill? 0° 106° N

Find the bearings of the factory from the mosque? 0° 77° N

Find the bearings of the mosque from the factory? 0° 360° - = 254° 106° 74° N 180° 180° + 74° = 254°

Find the bearings of Saujana Hill from the mosque? 360° - 72° = 288° 180° + 108° = 288° N

RELIEF & CONTOUR LINES

How to show this landform on a topographical map?

Relief Shape of the land Shown on a topo map using point symbols and contours Point symbols are used to show specific heights Contour lines are also used to show height or elevation

Contour Lines lines joining places of similar height above sea level

contour lines

Contour interval is 10 m Contour interval - The difference in height between two contour lines 20m 30m 40m Contour interval is 10 m

Contour interval 20m 40m 60m Contour interval is 20 m