Year 10 - Geography
Using OS maps to analyse physical features
Geographical skills
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit teaches pupils about geographical skills. Pupils will learn how to identify, describe and analyse atlas and OS maps at different scales. They will also learn how to construct and interpret photos, diagrams, graphs and thematic maps. Pupils will also learn numerical and statistical skills.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use contour lines to identify and describe physical features on a map.
Key Notes
- The height of the land can be shown on a map using spot heights and contour lines.
- The shape of the land can be shown on a map by examining how contour lines relate to each other.
- Distinctive patterns of contour lines show particular physical features on a map.
Vocabulary To Learn
- relief: the shape of the land
- contour lines: lines on a map that join points of the same height
- spot height: a point marked on a map showing a particular height
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All contour lines have their height marked on them.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
The height of the land can be shown on a map using spot heights and contour lines. The shape of the land can be shown on a map by examining how contour lines relate to each other.
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'relief'
the shape of the land.
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: All contour lines have their height marked on them. Correction: Most contour lines will show their height, but in very steep areas, where contours are close together, some will be omitted as there is a lack of space. The height of these lines can be calculated by looking at the height of the surrounding lines.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Constructing graphs in geography Study Guide
- Describing landscapes using maps Study Guide
- Interpreting graphs in geography Study Guide
- Sketch maps and cross sections Study Guide
- Using and interpreting photographs Study Guide
- Using and interpreting spatial data Study Guide
- Using atlases Study Guide
- Using GIS to visualise data in a webmap Study Guide
- Using OS maps to locate places Study Guide
- Using statistical data in geography Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Geography guide library.