Question 1: What is a 'contour line'?

Answer: A line on a map connecting points of equal elevation, used to show height and relief.

Question 2: Define 'scale' in map reading.

Answer: The ratio between distance on the map and the actual ground distance.

Question 3: What does a 'solid line' represent in map symbols?

Answer: A boundary or a significant feature such as a road or river, depending on the map legend.

Question 4: Explain the term 'grid reference'.

Answer: A system of coordinates used to locate specific points on a map using numbers and letters.

Question 5: What is meant by 'urban sprawl'?

Answer: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land.

Question 1: Which feature on an OS map indicates a steep slope?

Answer: Closely spaced contour lines

Question 2: Name the symbol used to represent a railway station on OS maps.

Answer: A black square or circle with a cross, depending on the map legend.

Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'north arrow' on a map?

Answer: To indicate the direction of north, helping to orient the map correctly.

Question 4: Identify the type of map projection most commonly used in OS maps.

Answer: Transverse Mercator projection

Question 1: London has experienced significant urban sprawl over the past 50 years. Using your understanding of map reading and geographical concepts, explain how the expansion has affected transportation networks and green spaces.

Answer: Urban sprawl has led to increased demand for road and rail connections, resulting in the extension of transportation networks into suburban areas. This expansion often encroaches on green spaces, reducing natural habitats and contributing to environmental degradation. The use of OS map features such as new road layouts, railway lines, and greenbelt boundaries helps to analyze these changes.

Question 2: Based on the case study, identify two challenges faced by urban planners in managing London's growth.

Answer: Balancing the need for housing and infrastructure development with the preservation of green spaces, and managing increased traffic congestion and pollution.

Question 1: Analyse the causes of urban sprawl in major UK cities like Manchester and Birmingham.

Answer: Causes include population growth, availability of affordable land on city outskirts, improvements in transportation infrastructure, and policies encouraging decentralization. These factors promote outward expansion, leading to urban sprawl, which can be identified through map features such as expanding residential areas and new transport links.

Question 2: Explain why transportation development is crucial for sustainable urban growth.

Answer: Efficient transportation reduces traffic congestion, lowers pollution, and improves accessibility, supporting economic development and quality of life in urban areas. Proper planning ensures growth is manageable and environmentally sustainable.

Question 1: To what extent have policies such as green belts and public transport investments been successful in controlling urban sprawl in London and Manchester?

Answer: Policies like green belts have successfully limited urban expansion into rural areas, preserving green spaces and preventing uncontrolled sprawl. Investments in public transport, such as Crossrail and Tram systems, have improved connectivity and reduced reliance on cars, decreasing congestion and pollution. However, challenges remain, including housing shortages and continued pressure for development, indicating that these strategies are partly effective but require ongoing refinement and complementary measures to ensure sustainable growth.