Lesson 9 How Do I Measure Height On A Map

1. Lesson 9:
How do I measure height
on a map?
Aim:
An ability to use contour lines and
spot heights to interpret altitude on
maps.

2. Starter
Do the odd one out activity with your
partner (see worksheets).

3. Main Activity 1
Q1 Describe the relief
shown in this picture.
Q2 How could you show
it on a map?
Q3 Why would you want
to show it on a map?
Create a short acted
sequence to show what it
would be like to walk
over this terrain.

4. So how is height
shown on maps?
SPOT HEIGHTS
Spot heights are those points that the OS has
measured to be exactly that height (in
metres) above sea level. They are marked on
the map thus:
.123
Always with a small dot marking the exact
point.

5. This is what they look like on
Ordnance Survey maps:

6. Now find an actual spot height on the
OS map on your table.
Q4 What is its six figure grid
reference?

9. Steep Slope
Close together
contour lines show
a steep slope or
gradient.
Q5 Find a slope on
the map. What is its
four figure grid
reference?

10. Gentle Slope
Contour lines widely
spaced show a
gentle slope or
gradient.
Q6 Find a gentle
slope on the map.
What is its 4 figure
grid reference?

11. Hill
This set of contour lines
represents a hill. The peak of
the hill actually has a spot
height of 386 marked upon it
You can see that the contour
lines form concentric 'circles'
(complete loops of contour
lines within another loop and
so on). This is what defines
the structure as a 'complete
hill' rather than a slope or part
of another feature.

12. Look at the information page then
take the test
Information1:
http://www.mapzone.co.uk/pageshomeworkhelp/mapability/reliefandcontourlines/
Information 2:
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/geology/leveson/core/linksa/contourlabel.html
Test:
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/geology/leveson/core/linksa/ctrprob1x.html

13. Plenary:
Q7 What is the most accurate way to
measure altitude on a map?
Q8 What is the best way to use altitude
marks on a map to plan a walk?
Homework- Find out the altitude of your
home.