Year 7 Map Skills and Settlement Comprehensive Revision Guide
Direction and Compass Points in Geographic Mapping
Direction is a fundamental component of map skills, providing the orientation necessary to navigate and describe the relative positions of different features. In geography, direction is primarily determined using compass points. The basic cardinal directions are North (N), East (E), South (S), and West (W). To provide more specific directions, intermediate points—known as ordinal or intercardinal directions—are used, including Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), and Northwest (NW). Proficiency in identifying these points is essential for interpreting map orientation and for providing accurate navigational instructions between two geographic locations.
Grid References: 4-Figure and 6-Figure Navigation
Grid references are essential for locating specific places or features on a map that is overlaid with a coordinate system. These systems utilize vertical lines called eastings (which increase in value as one moves east) and horizontal lines called northings (which increase in value as one moves north). A -figure grid reference is used to identify a specific grid square on a map. To find a -figure reference, one must always read the easting first and then the northing, often remembered by the mnemonic "along the corridor and then up the stairs."
A -figure grid reference provides a much higher level of precision, allowing for the location of a specific object within a grid square rather than just the square itself. This is achieved by mentally dividing a single grid square into a grid. The third digit of the easting and the third digit of the northing represent these sub-divisions. For example, a -figure reference might look like , where the digits and represent the tenths within the square. This level of detail is necessary for identifying small features such as a single building, a bridge, or a specific tree.
Representing Height on Maps
Cartographers use several methods to represent the three-dimensional terrain of the earth on a two-dimensional map. There are three primary techniques for showing height and relief. The first is through "spot heights," which are specific points on the map marked with a dot and a number representing the exact altitude above sea level at that precise location. For example, a spot height might be labeled as .
The second method is "contour lines," which are lines drawn on a map connecting all points that share the same height above sea level. The vertical distance between these lines is known as the contour interval. When contour lines are packed closely together, they indicate a steep slope; when they are spaced far apart, they represent relatively flat or gently sloping land. The third method is "layer colouring," also known as hypsometric tinting. This involves using different colours or shades to represent different ranges of height. Typically, green is used for lower elevations, yellows and browns for medium elevations, and whites or purples for the highest mountain peaks. This provides an immediate visual representation of the overall topography of an area.
Measuring Distance on a Map
Measuring distance on a map requires the use of a map scale, which relates the distance on the paper to the actual distance on the ground. To measure a straight-line distance, often called "as the crow flies," one can use a ruler to measure between two points and then apply the scale for conversion. For example, if the scale is , then on the map equals (or ) in reality. For measuring curved or jagged distances, such as a winding road or a river, a piece of string or a strip of paper can be laid along the route and then straightened against a ruler or the map's linear scale bar to find the total distance.
Settlement Patterns: Linear, Nucleated, and Dispersed
Settlement patterns describe the physical arrangement and distribution of buildings within a human habitat. A "linear" settlement pattern consists of buildings that are developed in a narrow line, typically following a transport route such as a main road, a river, or a valley floor. A "nucleated" settlement pattern occurs when buildings are clustered closely together, often centered around a specific focal point like a crossroads, a bridge, or a marketplace. Finally, a "dispersed" settlement pattern is characterized by buildings that are scattered far apart over a wide area, which is most common in agricultural or mountainous regions where residents require large amounts of land between their dwellings.
Functions of Settlements
The function of a settlement refers to its primary economic or social purpose. While large cities often have multiple functions, smaller settlements may be dominated by one. A "market town" serves as a local commercial hub where farmers and residents from the surrounding countryside come to buy and sell goods. A "port" is a settlement located on a coast or a large river, specializing in the transport of goods and people via ships. A "resort" is a settlement whose economy is primarily driven by tourism and recreation, often located by the sea or in the mountains. An "industrial town" is a settlement focused on manufacturing and the large-scale production of goods, typically located near raw materials or major transportation links.
Functions of Dubai: Past and Present
The history of Dubai provides a classic case study of how the function of a settlement can change dramatically over time. In the past, Dubai was a small, quiet settlement primarily focused on two functions: fishing and pearl diving. It served as a modest trading hub for the region, but its economy was largely dependent on the natural resources found in the surrounding waters. In contrast, the present function of Dubai has transformed into a global multi-functional city. Today, it serves as a world-leading hub for international tourism, a major global financial center, and one of the world's most significant hubs for aviation and logistics. The transition from a small maritime village to a sprawling metropolis illustrates how economic diversification and infrastructure investment can redefine the purpose of a settlement.
Factors for Locating a Settlement: Site and Situation
When early settlers chose locations for new villages or towns, they looked for specific physical factors that would ensure the survival and prosperity of the community. Key factors included a reliable "water supply," which was vital for drinking, cooking, and irrigation. "Flat land" was preferred because it was easier to build on and better for farming. Access to "natural resources" like timber for building or coal for fuel was also critical. Other factors included defense (locating on high ground to see enemies coming), being south-facing for maximum "sunlight" (especially in colder climates), and avoiding marshy land that might be prone to flooding or disease. The combination of these physical characteristics is known as the "site" of the settlement.