Map Reading and Scale
Read map symbols, scale and direction.
Maps represent places using symbols, scale and direction.
- Use a map key and grid reference.
- Calculate distance from a scale.
- Identify direction using a compass.
Symbols and Key
A map key explains symbols: blue lines for rivers, green areas for forest, red lines for roads, and small squares for buildings. Always read the key before interpreting the map.
Scale
Scale shows the relationship between map distance and real distance. On a 1:50 000 map, 1 cm represents 0.5 km. If two towns are 4 cm apart, the real distance is 2 km.
Direction and Grid
A compass rose shows north, south, east and west. Grid references give a location using eastings (horizontal) and northings (vertical).
Map distance between two villages: 6 cm.
Scale 1:100 000, so 1 cm = 1 km.
Real distance = 6 × 1 = 6 km.
Practice
- Using a 1:50 000 map, find the real distance for 5 cm.
- Give the direction from your school to the nearest market.
- Explain why a map key is essential.
Recap
Maps use symbols, scale and direction. Read the key, measure carefully and convert with the scale.
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People and the Environment
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