Mapping Essentials and Relief Representation – Practice Flashcards

40 question-and-answer flashcards covering map definition, types, elements, scales, relief representation methods, contour interpretation, scale conversions, and practical uses of maps.

What is the definition of a map?

A graphical representation of the whole earth or part of it on a medium (paper, wall, digital device, etc.) drawn to scale.

What are the two main categories of maps?

General-purpose maps and Thematic maps.

Give three examples of general-purpose maps.

Topographical maps, Cadastral maps, and Aeronautical maps.

Give three examples of thematic maps.

Geological maps, Vegetation maps, and Climatic maps.

List four common elements/characteristics every map should have.

Title, Legend/Key, Scale, Direction (others include Date, Margin/Frame, Authorship).

What information does the map title provide?

It states what the map is about and indicates its type or purpose.

What is the function of a map legend or key?

It explains the symbols, colours, and abbreviations used to represent features on the map.

Name the three basic types of map scales.

Statement (verbal) scale, Representative Fraction (RF) scale, Linear (graphic) scale.

Define map scale.

The relationship (ratio) between a distance on the map and the corresponding actual distance on the ground.

What is a statement (verbal) scale?

A scale expressed in words, e.g., "1 cm on the map represents 1 km on the ground."

State one advantage of the statement scale.

It is simple and easy to understand.

State one disadvantage of the statement scale.

It can be hard to use if the user is unfamiliar with the units (e.g., miles vs. kilometres).

What is a representative fraction (RF) scale?

A ratio or fraction in which 1 unit on the map equals a fixed number of the same units on the ground, e.g., 1 : 50 000.

Give one reason the RF scale is widely used.

It is unit-free, so it can be applied in any country and allows easy conversion between units.

What is a linear (graphic) scale?

A segmented line drawn on the map that directly shows ground distances when measured.

Give one advantage of a linear scale.

It offers a quick visual impression of distance and works even if the map is enlarged or reduced.

State one disadvantage of a linear scale.

Constructing or converting it requires some mathematical or drafting skill.

What does the term “relief” refer to on a map?

The variation in height/elevation of the Earth’s surface (mountains, valleys, plains, etc.).

Name three methods of representing relief on maps.

Spot heights, Trigonometrical stations, Contour lines (others: layer tinting, hachures, hill shading, form lines).

How is a spot height shown on a map?

By a black dot with the exact elevation value written beside it.

What symbol commonly represents a trigonometrical station on a map?

A triangle (or circle) with a dot in the centre and its elevation written nearby.

How does layer tinting portray relief?

By using different colours/shades for specific elevation bands, giving a vivid picture of lowlands and highlands.

What are form lines?

Approximate contour-like lines drawn to indicate land shape where exact contours are not available.

What is hill shading?

A technique that simulates light and shadow so slopes facing away from the light appear darker, giving a 3-D effect.

What are hachures used for?

Short, roughly parallel lines that show slope direction and steepness on very steep or rocky terrain.

Define a contour line.

A line on a map connecting points of equal elevation above (or below) mean sea level.

What is a contour interval (vertical interval)?

The constant difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines.

Differentiate index contours from intermediate contours.

Index contours are thicker or bolder and usually labelled; intermediate contours are the thinner lines between index contours.

What do closely spaced contour lines indicate?

A steep slope (rapid change in elevation over a short horizontal distance).

How is a valley depicted with contour lines?

V- or U-shaped contours that point upstream/up-slope; innermost contour has the lowest elevation value.

How can you distinguish a spur from a valley by contour values?

In a spur, the V-shape points downhill and contour values decrease toward the tip; in a valley they increase toward the tip.

What contour pattern typically represents a plateau?

Very close contours along the edges with a wide, almost flat space of few or no contours in the centre.

What is a concave slope?

One that is gentle at the bottom and becomes steeper upward; contours widely spaced low down and close together higher up.

On an escarpment, what is the difference between scarp and dip slopes?

The scarp slope is very steep (closely packed contours); the dip slope is gentler (widely spaced contours).

Convert the statement scale “1 cm to 1 km” to RF.

1 cm : 100 000 cm → RF = 1 : 100 000.

Convert RF 1 : 50 000 to a statement scale in kilometres.

50 000 cm ÷ 100 000 = 0.5 km, so 1 cm represents 0.5 km (½ km).

Give the basic conversion rule for changing a statement scale (cm–km) to RF.

Express both map and ground distances in the same unit (usually cm) and write the ratio with map distance as 1.

How are maps useful in navigation?

They help determine location, plan routes, and reach destinations efficiently.

In what way do maps assist town planners?

They guide land-use zoning, infrastructure placement, and overall settlement design.

Why is scale considered an essential map element?

Because it allows users to translate map distances into real-world distances accurately.