Map Skills Lesson Five : Contour Lines
Geographical features: Physical or Human? Sort the map symbols into categories of physical (natural features) and human (man-made features). Are there any that you are unsure about? Can you find any of these symbols on the OS map? Can you name the four-figure grid reference for five of the symbols?
How could we find this on a map? © Wikipedia Commons
How is this landscape shown on the OS map? © Wikipedia Commons
How it would appear on an OS map
Triangulation Pillars © Peter Robinson Triangulation pillars (or trig points) were surveying points formerly used for measuring the exact location of: Land boundaries, railways, roads, and other infrastructure. Despite not being in use anymore, many trig points are useful for hikers as navigation points.
Contour lines and gradient © Wikipedia
Contour lines Can you match the contour lines with the landform?
Draw around each contour line onto thick card. Cut out each piece. Stick together with a layer of thick card in between. Make sure each layer is the same width apart. Main activity Make a 3-D model using contour lines
How to make a contour model Trace the contour line Stick thick card in between each contour line layer
Plenary How would the landscape features appear on a map? Have a go at drawing the contact lines?
Cliff The White Cliffs of Dover © Tobias von der Haar, Flickr
V-shaped valley Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Brink of Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming © Ken Lund, Flickr
U-shaped valley Classic U shaped Valley on east side of Chinook Pass © Robert Ashworth, Flickr
Answers