Question 1: What is a 'scale' in geographical terms?

Answer: A ratio that relates distances on a map to actual distances on the ground.

Question 2: Define 'grid reference'.

Answer: A system of coordinates used to locate points on a map precisely.

Question 3: What does 'urbanisation' refer to?

Answer: The process of increasing the proportion of people living in towns and cities.

Question 4: Name the term used for the natural features that define the boundaries of a city or region.

Answer: Physical boundaries or natural borders.

Question 5: Give an example of a human feature used in map reading.

Answer: Roads, settlements, or boundaries.

Question 1: Which city is located at approximately 51°N latitude and 0°W longitude?

Answer: London

Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a scale on a map?

Answer: To convert distances on the map to real-world distances

Question 3: Name the coordinate system used for precise location referencing in maps.

Answer: Grid reference system

Question 4: Identify two human features that are crucial for urban planning.

Answer: Road networks and land use zones

Question 5: Explain what is meant by 'population density' and how it can be estimated using map data.

Answer: Population density is the number of people per unit area; it can be estimated by dividing the total population by the area size on the map.

Question 1: A report states that London has experienced rapid urban expansion over the last 20 years. Using your knowledge of map skills, analyze the possible impacts of this expansion on transportation and housing.

Answer: Urban expansion in London likely increases demand for transportation infrastructure, leading to more roads, railways, and congestion issues. Housing demand rises, potentially causing higher property prices and new developments in outskirts. Map skills help identify areas of growth, transportation corridors, and housing distribution, enabling planners to manage urban sprawl effectively.

Question 2: Considering the case of Manchester's industrial growth, discuss how map reading can help in planning new transport links to support this development.

Answer: Map reading enables planners to identify existing transport networks, locate industrial zones, and plan new roads or rail links that improve connectivity. It allows for spatial analysis of existing infrastructure, reduces congestion, and supports sustainable growth by integrating new transport routes efficiently.

Question 1: Explain why urban areas like London and Manchester experience higher population densities compared to rural areas.

Answer: Urban areas attract people due to better job opportunities, education, healthcare, and amenities. These factors lead to higher population densities as more people live and work in cities, supported by infrastructure and services that are less available in rural regions.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of urban sprawl in cities such as London, considering geographical and socio-economic factors.

Answer: Urban sprawl in London is driven by population growth, demand for housing, and economic opportunities. Geographical constraints like green belts and rivers shape expansion patterns, while socio-economic factors such as property prices and transportation accessibility influence residential development outward from the city center. Infrastructure development and policies also impact the extent of urban sprawl.

Question 1: To what extent have transportation improvements in London been successful in reducing congestion and supporting urban growth? Evaluate with reference to recent initiatives.

Answer: Transportation improvements such as the introduction of the London Underground upgrades, new bus routes, and the Congestion Charge have aimed to reduce traffic congestion and support urban growth. These measures have had mixed success; congestion levels have decreased during peak hours, and air quality has improved slightly. However, ongoing urban expansion continues to put pressure on transport infrastructure, indicating that while strategies are effective to a degree, further measures are needed for sustainable growth. Evaluating their success involves considering economic, environmental, and social impacts, alongside future planning challenges.