Geography WA2

Map Reading

Topographical Map Skills 

• 4-figure grid reference (EENN)

  • Step 1: Identify which grid the symbol is in

  • Step 2: Identify the northing and easting of grid (Find the “L”)

  • Step 3: Put everything together into EENN (Tip to remember the order —> x-axis comes before y-axis(x,y), so state horizontal before vertical)

• 6-figure grid reference (EEENNN)

  • Step 1: Find the 4-figure grid reference to find the first two EE and the first two NN

  • Step 2: To find the third E and the third N, divide the grid into 10 equal parts horizontally and vertically

    • Use a ruler to help divide the grid equally

    • Use a pencil to draw the line

  • Step 3: Count the lines to identify the middle of the power plant see which lines pass through the symbol

  • Step 4: Put it all together into EEENNN

• Legend

  • A description, explanation table of symbols, or other information, on a map to provide a better understanding and interpretation of it

  • Symbols are used to represent features on the ground (e.g. roads, tracks, rivers, lakes, vegetation, fences, buildings, power lines, administrative boundaries etc)

• Scale 

  • It is impossible to draw the actual size of physical features on a map so features need to be reduced proportionately using a scale so that they can fit on a given map

  • If a scale of 1cm : 1km is used, it means that every 1cm measured on the map is 1km on actual ground

  • 3 kinds of scales used in topographical maps: Statement, Line scale, Representative fraction

    • Statement Scale: E.g. 1cm on the map represents 50000cm in real life. Or 1cm represents 0.5km

    • Line Scale: A scale that looks like a ruler

    • Representative Fraction: Given in a ratio (E.g. 1 : 50000)

  • Conversion of scale:

    • 1 km = 1000 m

    • 1 m = 100 cm

  • Small vs Large Scale Map

    • Small Scale Map: Covers a big area, shows few details (E.g. political map)

    • Large Scale Map: Covers a small area, shows many details (E.g. street map)

• Straight-line distance

  • To measure the distance between two given points on a map

  • Distances are measured using a ruler

  • Always in km

  • Measuring the Straight Line Distance

    • Draw a line to join the two points

    • Measure this line using a ruler (in cm)

    • Convert to km based on the scale

• Curved Line Distance

  • Method 1: Break distance into smaller straight segment, measure, and sum

  • Method 2: Use string to measure the distance, then convert for accuracy

• Compass direction

  • Importance: Helps in locating and giving directions effectively, an essential skill for outdoor activities.

  • Cardinal Points: North, South, East, West.

  • Intercardinal Points: NE, SE, SW, NW.

• Compass bearing

  • Defined as the direction from one point to another in degrees clockwise from north

  • Example: Find the bearing between two locations (e.g., 225°)

• Contour lines and interval

  • Definition: Lines representing equal elevation, indicating relief on a map and providing critical information about terrain.

  • Slope Indication:

    • Gentle Slope: Contour lines farther apart, indicating gradual elevation change.

    • Steep Slope: Contour lines closer together, indicating rapid elevation change.

  • Types of Landforms:

    • Hill: Elevation less than 600 m; generally rounded.

    • Mountain: Elevation more than 600 m; characterized by steep terrain.

    • Plateau: Flat-topped highlands with steep margins.

• Settlement pattern

  • Describe shapes of settlements influenced by the landscape and other factors, detailing the functionality and adaptability of human habitation.

    • Nucleated/clustered: Houses grouped closely together around a central point; often functional for community activities.

    • Linear: Buildings constructed in lines along a geographical feature (e.g., alongside roads); often reflects historical development.

    • Dispersed: Houses spread out across a larger area, often in rural settings

Chapter 7

How can we build sustainable cities? 

• Chapter 7.1: What are cities?

  • Definition: Urban areas with high population size and density, built-up areas, and diverse functions.

  • Key Characteristics:

    • Large Population: Ranges from 500,000 to over 10 million

    • High Density: Many people per square kilometer

    • Built-up Areas: Covered with buildings and infrastructure

    • Functions: Administrative, commercial, educational, industrial, healthcare, entertainment

    • Infrastructure: Includes sanitation, water, electricity, transport, communication

• Chapter 7.2: What is the relationship between cities and rural areas?

  • Rural-Urban Migration:

    • Movement from rural to urban areas

    • Push factors: Lack of jobs, poor services in rural areas

    • Pull factors: Better employment, education, and healthcare in cities

  • Interdependence:

    • Food Supply: Cities depend on rural areas due to limited agricultural land

    • Income: Rural farmers earn from selling produce to cities

    • Access to Services: Rural populations benefit from urban amenities (e.g., hospitals, education)

• Chapter 7.3: How do cities affect their inhabitants and the environment?

  • Opportunities:

    • Education: Wide range of institutions

    • Employment: Diverse job markets and business growth

    • Innovation: High concentration of skilled people fosters creativity

  • Challenges:

    • Water Pollution: From poor waste disposal and infrastructure

    • Air Pollution: From vehicles, factories, and energy production

  • Resource Competition:

    • Land: Encroachment on surrounding areas due to urban growth

    • Water: Reduced catchment areas and climate-related shortages

• Chapter 7.4: How can cities be sustainable built and managed?

  • Environmental Management:

    • Air & Water Pollution: Implement regulations and clean-up initiatives

    • Human-Induced Hazards: Safety regulations and checks to prevent industrial accidents

    • Natural Hazards: Use quality materials and land-use planning

  • Improving Quality of Life:

    • Safe Housing: Build homes with durable materials and follow planning guidelines

    • Transport Options: Land, air, water modes to reduce congestion and pollution

    • Inclusive Planning: Consider needs of all groups (e.g., elderly, disabled) through universal design

Chapter 8

Housing and its Spatial Distribution 

• Chapter 8.1: What are the different types of housing?

  • Public Housing:

    • Government-built and subsidised

    • Affordable for middle- and low-income households

    • Examples: HDB flats (Singapore)

  • Private Housing:

    • Built by private developers

    • More expensive, often with better amenities

    • Examples: Condominiums, private apartments, landed properties

  • Slums/Squatter Settlements:

    • Informally built without proper planning

    • Poor living conditions, lack of basic services

    • Often found in developing countries

• Chapter 8.2: Where are different housing types found in cities?

  • City Center (CBD):

    • Limited housing; mainly high-cost private housing due to high land values

    • Some luxury apartments or mixed-use buildings

  • Inner City:

    • Mix of older private housing and public flats

    • May include upgraded or redeveloped slums

  • Suburbs:

    • Lower-density private and public housing

    • Newer developments, better environment, and more space

  • Urban Fringe/Periphery:

    • Cheaper land, more informal housing or slums

    • Public housing and expanding private estates may also be found here

• Chapter 8.3: What factors affect the location of housing?

  • Land Value:

    • Higher in central areas → high-rise, expensive housing.

    • Lower on outskirts → low-density, affordable housing.

  • Accessibility:

    • Proximity to transport, jobs, and services increases demand and cost.

  • Government Policies:

    • Zoning laws and public housing programs influence distribution.

  • Income Levels:

    • Wealthier people afford prime locations; low-income groups move to peripheral or informal areas.

  • Environmental Quality:

    • Cleaner, quieter areas are preferred for residential use