Interpreting Chapter 5 Road Map to Treasure! You yj LEAL Treasure Island is a story about the adventures ‘of young Jim Hawkins who had to find a buried treasure before the pirates did. © to interpret physical and human environments shown ‘on topographical maps 44 Chapter 5Topographical | Maps In the story of Treasure Island, Jim Hawkins was able to locate the treasure before the pirates did. This was because he had a fairly accurate large-scale map that gave him details about the environment on the island, In this chapter, we will learn how to use a type of large scale map, called topographical maps. A topographical map shows the details of the physical and human features in an area, Geographers use topographical maps to locate specific places as well as to understand physical and human environments, Fat A togngraphial tap shows the physical and human features nan area in the orm of symbols, Hare, the features onthe mode oft) are retleted on tha topographical map labor) Interpreting Topographical Maps 45Fig 52 This diagram explains how to identity the fou-gure gt reference of he fake in Jay Town, © Lcontify tho rid square onthe ‘map whee the area eg alake) is found, @ Fea the eating etal ine) on the lft ofthe rid square © oad the narthing {horizontal line} onthe bottom left comer ‘ofthe grid square © Tho four-igure grid reference ‘of the aroa is made up of both the easting and the nothing. Hence, the four-figura grid reference of the lake is 0527 Can you now identify the four- figure grid reference of the bridge near the railway? 46 Chapter 5 are grid ines? Fr) @ 26 6 Fa 23 2 2 Using Grid References to Describe Locations On every topographical map, there are vertical and horizontal lines called grid lines. Together, they form a grid which divides the map into tid squares, Eastings and northings Grid lines are numbered along the margins of a map. The vertical grid lines are called eastings because their numbers increase eastward, The horizontal grid lines are called northings because their numbers increase northward. The point at which an easting crosses a northing is called a grid reference. It consists of the number for the casting followed by the number for the northing. By using grid references, we can describe the location of any area or fecture on a map easily. Four-figure grid references We can use a four-figure grid reference to locate the grid square of an area or a large feature on a map. Follow the steps below to identify the four-figure grid reference of an area, JOY TOWN 07 oe 09 29 LEGEND “wn or atea with pormanont uidings Buildings Railway Major road Socondary road Major ack Minor tack, footpath Watercourse Watercourse twice) Lake Shrub ‘Sugar eane plantation Cathedral Distt office Hospital HotelSix-figure grid references A four-figure grid reference gives us only the location of an area, To find the exact location of a feature such as a post office, we will need touse a six-figure grid reference. As its name suggests, a six-figure grid reference has six numbers instead of four. Follow the steps below to identify the six-figure grid reference of the cathedral in Fig 5.3. Fig 53 This lagram explains how to identity the si-Hgue id rerence tf thecathealn day Town Idontify the grid square on the map where the feature i found. Divide the ord square into ten equal pats along the easting and nothing, and number them from 0 ta 3 Estimate how far the feature is from the easting andthe northing, using the scale in tenths, The six-figure grid reference of the feature is made up of both the esting and the nothing Can you now identify the sixfigure grid reference of the hotel in Fig5.2? Using the steps described above, we find that the cathedral in Joy Town (Fig 5.3) is located three-tenths of the distance between castings 07 and 08. Hence, the easting is 073. The cathedral is located five-tenths of the distance between northings 25 and 26. Hence, the northing is 255. ‘Therefore, the six-figure grid reference for the cathedral is 073255. a ‘What are the steps to locating an area and a feature ona map? Interpreting Topographical Maps 47Fig 54. A compass helps us to find the direction of places, Fig 55 This clagram oxlans how to fn the direction of one theron a map, © Draw a line from the centre of Clementi MRT station tothe conte of Clement NPP 48 Chapters Finding Directions on a Map While the grid lines on a map help us to locate places, a compass helps. us find the direetion of a place from another. Compass points on a map On any compass, you will see four points marked on it: north, south, east and west. These points are known as compass points, Additional points marked as northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest give a more accurate reading of direstions, ‘These compass points are shown by the north arrow on maps, and are used to show the direction of one place or a feature from another. Finding direction using compass points Follow the steps below to find the direction of Clementi MRT station from Clementi Neighbourhood Police Post (Clementi NPP) on the map. le og eer os @ At Clementi NPP draw a north arrow. @ Look at Clementi NPP and use one ofthe compass points to describe the direction of Clementi MRT station from Clementi NPP We can see that Clementi MRT station is northeast af Clementi PP, Can you now find the direction of Clementi Bus Interchange from Clementi Polytinic?Below is a topographical map based on the model at the beginning of this chapter, Follow the steps below to find the direction of the fish farm from the police station. Fig 50) Ths diagram explains how to fnd the direction ofthe sh farm from the police station, Draw a line from the centre of the palce station (PS) to the centre of the fish farm FF ALS, draw a north atrow that is parallel to the eastings of the map. Look at PS, Use one ofthe compass points to describe the direction of F from PS, We can see that FF is northwast of PS. Can you naw find the direction of the school (Sch] from the train station isp LEGEND Pest office ro Palce station s Tain station 18 Schoo! Fish farm ci Main road - Minor oad = aI 2 a 28 Ps 28 rn 2 2 2 m Raitway track Fiver Buicings Contours tin moves) Vegetable farm Forest ‘Tho world's first compass was made in China during the Qin Dynasty (221 BC to 206 BC}, by balancing a piece of lodestone (magnetic iron ore] ‘carved in the shape of a spoon on @ round, bronze plate. o find out how: ‘to make your own compass, search for the instructions on the Internet by entering these keywords in an Internet » search engine: 'making compass’ Interpreting Topographical Maps 49Compass bearings on a map ‘Compass points are useful only for finding general directions. To be more exact, we should measure the direction of a place in degrees. Directions h _ that are measured in degrees are known as compass bearings. Compass bearings are measured from north or 0 degree in a clockwise direction, hwo” Ninety degrees coincides with the compass point east, 180 degrees with south and 270 degrees with west. a Finding direction using compass bearings s To find the compass bearing of a feature from another on a map, we 9.57 Cones bearings ae edt need to use a protractor, Follow the steps below to find the compass bearings of features. Fig 8 These diagrams explain how wo find the ampass bearings of one feature fam another © Draw a ine ta join the two features (eq the lodge and the hotel @ Place the centre ofthe pratractr atthe lodge. The O° onthe protractor must pont to the nat, © The point onthe outer edge of the protractor ‘where the line joining the two Features crosses shows the bearing ofthe hotel frm the loge. Read the compass bearing ofthe protector. Hono, the compass bearing of the hotel from. the lodge is 120° © Drea ine tojnin thet oats the church and the hotel). @ Place the centre ofthe protractor at the ‘church. The 180° of the protractor must point to the north, @ Read the compass bearing where the line joining the church and the hotel crosses the ‘outer edge ofthe protractor. Then, add 180° to get the compass bearing of the hotel from the church Hence, the bearing ofthe hat! from the cchureh is 8° + 180° = 240°, ; Churn Moscun: ae e Ghinose temper Hindu temple. Why is direction sometimes] Rver sf i given as compass bearings? Contours fn metres! Scattered trees 5O Chapter 5Measuring Distances on a Map ‘The actual distance between two points on the ground can be obtained by making use of the scale shown on the map. The actual distance could be in centimetres, metres or kilometres, depending on the scale of the map. Measuring straight-line distances Follow the steps below to measure the straight-line two points on a map, lance between Fig 59 These uiagrams explain how tomoasure the straight-ine distance otwen tv points © Use a ruler to measure the length between two points on the map [eg the hotel and the mosque ‘We can see that the straight-line distance between the hotel and the mosque onthe map isdom @ To ind the actual distance on the ground, place ‘the ruler on the linear scale, Hence, the actual distance between the hotel and the mosque is 2 km. Can you now measure the straight-line distance totwoen the Hindu temple and the Chinese temple? Another way of measuring a straight-line distance is to mark out the two points along, omy the straight edge of a piece of paper and measure the distance between the points against the scale, er LEGEND Large building: individual buildings... Church Mosque: nese temple Rood. sane Chinese temp tae Contours tr metres... Forest... = Hotel Scattered ees... vas Interpreting Topographical Maps 51Measuring curved distances We can find the curved distance between two points, such as along, Fig510 These diagans elon —-@ Winding road or river, by using a string. Follow the steps below to how measure te caved measure the curved distance between two features. stance hanen two points, © Place one end ofthe string at the starting point, Hold this end ‘down fly with your finger. © Use the sting to follow the path, holding down short intervals, as you go along, © When you reach the end point, use ¢ pencil to make a mark on the sting, © Remove the string, straighten it and place it against the lnaar scale or a uler to measure the length © Using the scale ofthe map, convert the length tothe actual distance on the ground We can also use the straight edge of a ce of paper to measure the curved distance between two features. © Place the piece of paper atthe stating point of the feature. © Aign te edge ofthe paper along a straight portion ofthe curvod distance and make a mark where te straight line moves away from the edge ofthe paper © Continue to pivot the paper along the curved distance ‘and mark the straight segmants until you reach the end paint © tveaxu the stance bowoan the fist and ast markings, 1 0 1 2 3 KILOMETRES 2nd calculate the distance, Can you now measure the length ofthe road from Point A taPoint B? 52 Chepter 6Interpreting the Physical Environment Shown on a Topographical Map ‘The physical environment consists of physical features, such as rivers, Jakes, hills and plants. We have learnt that these features are represented on maps by line and area symbols. Here, we will learn how contours are used to represent the height and shape of the land, as well as certain physical features. Using contours to represent relief Contours are imaginary lines that join pla sea level. of the same height above Besides showing the height of the land, contours also represent the relief of a place. In other words, contours tell us about the shape and the slope of the land. Contours do not exist in reality; they are only drawn. ‘on some maps, such as topographical maps, Here are some important points to note when reading contours on a map: + Contours that are close together represent steep slopes. + Contours that are far apart represent gentle slopes. + When the contours are very far apart in an area, it means that the Jand in that area is almost flat and is known as a plain. ANlthe pints on this TT contour are exactly 380 m above sea evel Tho land between thase cantours is above fe 250/m bt less than 30 m above s0a love, 50 300; a What are contours and what do they represent? Fig .11|Cantours show the heights on land as wells the shape of physical feat Gente slope eee (conous far apr 130 Stoop slope motes {contours are close together) 50301 200 100° ‘0 200 00 ° Fag 5.12. Al's gemty sloping and 54 Chapter 5 Contour patterns and physical features ‘ome physical features are represented by specific contour patterns. ‘The following diagrams show some common contour patterns and the physical features they represent Hill and mountain A hill or mountain is represented by contours that are in circular form, with the contours increasing in height towards the centre. A hill is usually less than 600 metres high while a mountain is above 600 metres high. Fig 513. Amountain ses toa height of more thar 600 m above th Ear’ surtasValley A valley is a low area between hills or mountain contours point towards higher ground, forming an inverted *V" from the highest to the lowest point, Most valleys contain Z streams or rivers, which are Ina valley, the ofien shown on maps as blue Ba fige| Beat 8 lines. On maps, these blue lines cut through the contours at the ‘V" Ha on rd sn im io : Plateau Fig1¢Avalyis the lovest point A plateau is an upland area. It has steep slopes and a broad, fat top. se ‘00 2x0 200 woo Ridge a Fig515_A plateauis also call a ‘tabeland because its fat top resembles 0 tabletop. A ridge is an upland area that is long, narrow and steep-sided. a) Ces 50) 500 400 3m} 20 100} a Different contour patterns represent different physical features foundon {10> Vic eulowols nso cose the Barth’s surface. Knowing how to identify different contour patterns on a map will help us understand the physical environment of the area. ‘We will learn more about these physical features in later chapters. S/E: Worksheet 82. NAW interpreting Topographical Maps 55Fig 517_Ths diagram shows how some human features are represented on maps. Where are the ottoman mostly lcatad? Interpreting the Human Environment Shown on a Topographical Map ‘The human environment consists of human features, such as buildings, Farms, reservoirs, roads and railways. Let us now look at how human features are shown on maps. Settlements settlement is a place where people live and carry out activities such as farming, and buying and selling of goods. Buildings, together with the roads that connect them, form a settlement, On maps, settlements are represented by individual squares or rectangles (Fig 5.17). Using this symbol, map makers (or cartographers) are able to show the shapes and sizes of settlements, as well as their locations. By looking at a map, we can find out why a settlement has grown at a certain location, Settlements usually grow where the land is flat, or where there is a supply of natural resources Fig 5.18 This petra stows a settlement that has gown near a (eg water, mineral deposits like coal) nearby, For example, ifa settlement river Why do you think people have ‘chosen to sate here? & How are settlements represented on topographical maps? is located near a river, it could mean that the settlement has grown due toa good supply of water, 56 Chapter 5LEGEND Building aiiwoy Major road, Bridge iver Lake Contours Gn metres). Scattered wees Sugar cene plantation 2k Drape teen Transport lines ‘Transport lines refer to the routes people use to travel from one place to another. Roads, railways and canals are examples of transport ines and they are represented on maps by linear symbols. Roads are usually represented by red or orange lines, railways by black lines, and canals by blue lines. The locations of roads and railways are often related to the relief of the land. Where the land is steep or mountainous, there are usually fewer transport lines, ‘The location of transport lines is also related to the location of settlements. Where there are only a few settlements, transport lines are few; where large settlements are located, there are more transport lines. eee Howis the location of, Land use ‘transport lines related Land use refers to how the land is used in an area. By checking the ‘is cearemerrtg land? symbols on a map against the legend, we can know the types of human activities carried out in an area. We can also find out about the types of crops grown or how much land is being farmed. For example, an area used for farming may be represented by green shading, like how the sugar cane plantation is represented in Fig 5.17. ated What can maps tellus about how land is used inanarea? Interpreting Topographical Maps 575B Chapter 5 Questions Understanding Physical and Human Environments Shown on Topographical Maps Now that we have learnt how the physical and human environments are represented on maps, let us try to describe the environments of Savanna- La-Mar (Fig 5.19). By using tke questions below, we can interpret th environments on a topographical map systematically. avaeeny Is the land steeply sloping or gently sloping? ‘What are the main physicel features in this area? Where do people live? Why do people live where they do? How well connected are the settlements by transportation? What are the human activities carried out in the place? By examining the map of an area carefully, we should be able to find answers to the above quest ns, Now check your answers to the above questions. ila ‘The land on which Grange Hill town is built is gently sloping, as shown by the widely spaced contours, The land to the northeast and west of the map is steeply sloping. ‘There are hills on either sice of Grange Hill town. There are also. ‘oo rivers in the area. The other physical features shown on the ‘map include ponds and woodland, People have built their houses along the roads in Grange Hill town, Some settlements have also developed along the roads leading to Jerusalem Mountain. The gently sloping land in Grange Hill town is suitable for building houses. The rivers, lakes and ponds provide water for the people living near them. Grange Hill town and the area in Kings Valley are connected by a few roads, ‘The main human activity carried out in Grange Hill town is the planting of sugar cane, as seen from the land that is shaded yellow.Buittup Aroa Named Building, Hotel, Other Building ‘Savanna-La-Mar (Jamaica) 2 centimetres to 1 kilometre 2 3 4 ‘Sugar Cane Plantation Mixed or scattered Cutvation blometras Road - Class A, Dual Cariageway (RR Trees and Scrubs Rood - Class B (EEE Woodland Rood -Class semeat Town Road - Other cexmonnas Minor Town = Motorable Track or Footpath comm Village = Photogrammetric Spot Height Church ‘Contours 20m Vi. up to 80m ety Factory ‘and 40m Vi, thereater We Fleas onto “+ Watercourse, Waterfall, Rapids, Dam ceoaca Fens (aie PO Post Otioe Marsh or Swamp 7A PSaLBoor: ies Sch Schoo ‘Maps help us to locate and study the features on the Earth's surface. Through the use of topographical maps, we can identify the main features present in the environment and describe what the environment looks like. Other than maps, photographs are also useful in helping us to understand. the environment. In the following chapter, we will lea how photographs, are used in the study of Geography. Fig 5:19. topographical map ‘otrat of Sevanna-La- Ma, Jamaica Interpceting Topographical Maps 5jul Ree You have learnt to read symbols on a topographical map. You can also tell whether the symbols represent physical or human features by referring to a legend. This is essential to reading maps Now, imagine you are an urban planner. An urban planner is someone who studies an area and decides where ‘0 build houses, schools, roads, etc. All these need to be well-planned so that people living in the area can move around the different places easily Study the topographical map below. It is a largely physical environment. You have been put in charge to develor the area because the population of a nearby town has increased tremendously and needs to relocate to a new town. Using symbols, mark on the map where the houses, schools, swimming of sports complexes and other necessary amenities will be located, Create a legend for your map. You may work in groups of three to four. 60 Chapters 3 KILOMETRESat It leans ‘The direction of a place from another on a map can be identified using compass points or compass bearings. ‘The actual straight or curved distance between two points on the ground can be obtained by making use of the scale shown on the map. Human features in the human environment include buildings, farms, reservoirs, roads and railways. Generally, settlements are represented on topographical maps by individual squares or rectangles; transport lines by coloured lines; and land use by colour shadings. The location of any area or feature on a map can be identified using four- figure or six igure grid references. Physical features in the physical environment include rivers, lakes, hills and plants. The height and shape of the land, as well as certain physical features, are represented on topographical maps by contours. Sit. compass points — north arrow compass bearings — protractor | general exact eeastings and northings (casting before northing) finding directions TOPOGRAPHICAL cms om foursigue grid reference grid _ locating ines — places sivfigue grid reference interpreting environments physical human contours: imaginary lines that join places settlements of the same height above saa level, show height and shape of land transport lines slopes/plain contour patterns Nand use st09p slo — contours tha are ti tlosely spaced rnountain dente slope — contour that are farapan valley plain —contous that are very eee forapart fdge Interpreting Topographical Maps 61