The document discusses how to measure gradient, which is the rate of change of a slope. It explains that gradient is calculated by taking the difference in vertical height divided by the horizontal distance, with both measurements converted to the same scale, typically meters. An example is provided of a gradient of 1:20, meaning that for every 20 meters traveled horizontally, there is a 1 meter increase in elevation, representing a small slope.

1. Measuring Gradient
IGCSE Map Skills

2. GRADIENT
• THE RATE OF CHANGE OF A
SLOPE

3. GRADIENT
• THE MATHEMATICIAN VS GEOGRAPHER
They are interpreted the same way BUT
we are studying Geography so use the
correct one!
Mathematician Geographer
As a Fraction As a Ratio
1/20 1:20

4. GRADIENT
DIFFERENCE IN VERTICAL HEIGHT
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE
• THE VERTICAL DISTANCE IS OBTAINED BY
SUBTRACTING THE SMALLER CONTOUR OR
SPOT HEIGHT VALUE FROM THE HIGHER
• HORIZONTAL DISTANCE IS MEASURED
AGAINST THE SCALE

5. GRADIENT
Always ensure that you covert all units into the
same scale.
All units should be in meters

6. GRADIENT
1M
20M RUN
RISE
What does this mean?
-The ratio would be 1:20
-For every 20m we walk there will be an elevation in height of 1 meter. This in
other words would be a small slope.