MAP WORK 2: Skills for children learning maps

Geography

1. Mapwork Geography: Grade 8

2. What is a map? A map is a generalised and reduced representation of (a portion of) the curved surface of the earth on a flat surface.

3. Topo-whaaat ? What is a topographic map? A map that shows the features of the Earth’s surface. What features are included? Physical (natural) features (like hills, valleys, cliffs, rivers, marshes, vegetation) Constructed features (like towns, roads, railways and sports fields).

4. How do we identify these features? Conventional signs indicate features on maps. The use of colour aids the interpretation od these symbols.

5. A letter or symbol indicating a particular feature What is a conventional sign? Point Line Area

6. Where does colour come into the picture? Making it easier: Distinguish between two types of landscape: the natural / physical landscape the constructed / human landscape Five colours - Brown - Blue - Green - Black - Red

7. Symbol Brown

8. Symbol Blue

9. Symbol Green

10. Symbol Red

11. Symbol Black

12. How do we find positions on topographical maps? By using a grid reference we can easily pin point information on a map.

13. Equator (0°) Northern Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere North Pole (90° N) South Pole (90° S) Latitude

14. Western Hemisphere Eastern Hemisphere Greenwich Meridian 0° South Pole (90° S) North Pole (90° N) Longitude

15. Eastern Hemisphere Western Hemisphere Northern Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere S;E Latitude & longitude

16. A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 A B C D E 1 F 2 3 4 5

17. A B C D E 1 F 2 3 4 5