This document provides information about key concepts in geography related to interpreting topographical maps, including grid references, bearings, scale and distance, keys and legends. It explains how to determine 4-digit and 6-digit grid references to identify specific locations on a map. It also describes how to measure bearings and convert distances on a map to real-world distances using map scales. The document emphasizes the importance of understanding symbols and legends in interpreting different features on a topographical map.

1. Sec 1 / 2
Express & Normal Academic
Stream
CBSS Humanities – Constantly Adding Value to Everyone

2. 1.Grid references
2.Bearings
3.Scale and Distance
4.Keys and Legends

3. Integral to the learning of
Geography
Gives perspective
Identifies location
Provides sense of space

5. Contour lines –
lines that show
elevation in height

6. Gridlines – lines
that segment the
topographical map
into parts

7. Eastings – gridlines
that increase as
they move East!
10 11 12 13 14

8. Northings –
gridlines that
increase as they
move North!
10 11 12 13 14
23
24
25
26

9. Unique number combinations (4/6
digit) that identifies locations

10. 4 DIGIT GRID REFERENCE 6 DIGIT GRID REFERENCE
Refers to a grid
square
Gives general
area
Non-specific
Like your block
number.
Refers to a point
on the map
Gives specific
place
Like your house
unit number.

11. Read the Eastings first
Match the point with the
intersecting Northing.
Square on the top-right of the
location.

12. 4 Digit grid reference
(1224)

13. Divide the Grid square into 10
equal parts.
Each marking provides the 3rd
reference point.
Eastings first, Northings next.
Specific point located.

14. 6 Digit grid reference
(125245)
What’s the
6 digit
Reference
Of Y?
X
Y

15. The Angle of one location from another
on the map
Provides accurate directional information
More accurate than Cardinal Directions
(North / South / East / West)

16. Measurement of angle of one
location from another location.
Needs a protractor
Need a Ruler
Set Squares (optional)

17. X
Y
N

21. X
Y
N

22. X
Y
N

23. X
Y
N

24. X
Y
N

25. X from Y
Y from X
H from S
S from H
X
Y
H
S
N

26. Converting distance on the map
into real life distances
Measuring the different types of
distances on a map.

27. Straight line distance
• Distance between 2 locations.
• Joined in a straight line.
• Regardless of landforms in between.
Road / Actual distance
• Distance between 2 locations.
• Measured along major transport routes
 Roads / Rivers / Railway tracks / etc.

28. Visual representation of scale
If no ratio scale is provided, measure with
a ruler and convert into ratio form

29. Measure to find out how
many units (cm)
represents 1 unit (km) on
the map!

30. Measure : Map
4cm : 1km
4 cm : 1000m
4 cm : 100 000 cm
1cm : 25 000cm
Ratio is:
1 : 25 000

35. 16.2cm
Answers to be in km.
To 2 decimal places unless
otherwise stated.

37. • Connect the
locations with a
line
• Ignore the
landforms between
• Measure the
length of the line
• Convert into actual
distance
• Answer in km

38. 6.8cm
Scale 1 : 15 000
6.8cm = 6.8 x 15 000
= 102 000cm
= 1020m
= 1.02km

39. Start and Stop at
the point nearest
to the landform

40. Using a string,
measure the distance.
Keep as close to the
actual track as
possible.
Mark the end of the
track.

43. Making sense of the symbols on a
map
Understanding and seeing
relationships

45. Can be images
Can be symbols
Can be letters/ abbreviations