Year 10 - Geography
Using OS maps to locate places
Geographical skills
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Study Guides
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 directions, grid references and scale to find precise locations and distances on a map.
Key Notes
- Direction on a map can be understood by using compass points or bearings.
- Four and six figure grid references are a way of finding a specific place on a map.
- The scale of the map can be used to calculate the distance between two features or places.
Vocabulary To Learn
- cardinal points: the four main compass points (north, south, east and west)
- easting: vertical lines running north to south on a map that divide it into east and west parts
- northing: horizontal lines running west to east on a map that divide it into north and south parts
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- A six figure grid reference refers to only one point in the UK.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
Direction on a map can be understood by using compass points or bearings. Four and six figure grid references are a way of finding a specific place on a map.
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'cardinal points'
the four main compass points (north, south, east and west).
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: A six figure grid reference refers to only one point in the UK. Correction: A six figure grid reference will be specific to a larger grid square in the OS National Grid. Each of these 100km2 squares are denoted by a two letter code, often seen in faint blue on the map. This means it refers to more than one point in the UK.
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 analyse physical features Study Guide
- Using statistical data in geography Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Geography guide library.