features of a map
DESCRIPTION
Identifies the ten main features that form an Ordnance Survey map.TRANSCRIPT
Contents of a map.A map will normally have the following features:
►The name of the area covered. - Title►Symbols ►Key or legend that explains
what the symbols mean.►A scale to convert distance on the map to
actual distance on the ground.►Place names.
Some maps will also have…►A grid system of lines to allow you to
pinpoint your location.►Contour lines to show the height of
the ground.►North Arrows►Date of production►Spot heights
►The name of the area covered. -The Title
And the corresponding number for the map.
As well as the type of map.
►Symbols
►Maps often use symbols instead of words to label real-life features and make the maps clearer.
►They represent features on the ground like a:• Place of
worship• Forest• Cliff edge.
►The Key or legend on the map explains what the symbols mean.
This is often found at the bottom, or the side of the map.
►A Scale to convert distance on the map to actual distance on the ground.
1. As a ratio - 1:25 000
2. In words - 4cm to 1km – 2½ inches to 1 mile
3. With a Scale bar This can normally be found at the bottom of the map.
• The scale of a map is usually shown in three different ways.
►Place names.
Such as:
• Polton Hill
• Stoughton
• Oadby
►A Grid System of lines to allow you to pinpoint your location.
• The straight blue lines on the map form a grid network.
• Vertical lines are called Eastings
• Horizontal lines are called Northings
• Each line has a specific 2 digit number
►Contour lines are the brown squiggly lines which represent the height of the ground.They can also show the shape of the land.
• They have corresponding numbers, which tell you their height above sea level.
• The number are always written facing uphill, so that you can see which way the land slopes.
►North ArrowsSurprisingly, there are 3!1. Magnetic North 2. True North3. Grid North
These will be explained more clearly later.
• But they will help you to orientate the map to the ground, and allow you to be more accurate in using bearings.
• Orientate - means to turn the map so that it is lined up with North.
• Bearings - are directions given in degrees (e.g. 45°)
►Date of productionMaps are dated to the most recent land survey.
This is important to bear in mind, as things change over time, such as:
• Field boundries/fence lines removed
• Housing estates built• Deforestation• New roads/motorways/train
lines
The more recent the map, then the more accurate it will be.
►Spot heightsThese dots with numbers are similar to those used in conjunction with contour lines.
• The numbers tell you their height above sea level at that location.
• They can be found at the tops of hills or mountains.
• They can be found along the edges of roads.
• They are used with a symbol called a Triangulation Point.
(Blue triangle with a dot)
So, these are the 10 main features essential to an Ordnance Survey Map:
► The name of the area covered. - Title► Symbols ► Key or legend that explains what the symbols mean.► A scale to convert distance on the map to actual distance on
the ground.► Place names.► A grid system of lines to allow you to pinpoint your location.► Contour lines to show the height of the ground.► North Arrows► Date of production► Spot heights
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