Question 1: Identify the four cardinal directions and describe how you would determine these directions when standing at a specific location on a map.

Answer: The four cardinal directions are North, East, South, and West. To determine them on a map, locate the compass rose or orientation arrow; if absent, assume the top of the map is North. Use landmarks or features to align your position accordingly.

Question 2: Given a map with a scale of 1:50,000, measure the distance between two points that are 3 centimeters apart on the map. What is the real-world distance in kilometers?

Answer: 1 centimeter on the map equals 0.5 kilometers in reality (since 1:50,000 scale means 1 cm = 50,000 cm = 0.5 km). Therefore, 3 centimeters on the map represent 3 x 0.5 km = 1.5 kilometers.

Question 3: Describe how contour lines on a map indicate changes in elevation. What does closely spaced contour lines signify about the terrain?

Answer: Contour lines connect points of equal elevation. Closely spaced contour lines indicate steep terrain, while widely spaced lines suggest gentle slopes or flat areas.

Question 4: You are given a grid reference of 1234 on a map divided into squares. Explain how to find this location using the grid system.

Answer: Locate the vertical grid line numbered 12 and the horizontal grid line numbered 34. The intersection of these lines marks the location 1234, representing the eastings and northings within the grid square.

Question 5: Describe the difference between a physical map and a political map. What information would each type typically display?

Answer: A physical map shows natural features such as mountains, rivers, and elevation, often using contour lines and color shading. A political map displays human-made boundaries like countries, cities, and borders.

Question 6: Draw a simple map sketch showing a river flowing from the north to the south, passing through a town located east of the river and a forest to the west. Label the river, town, and forest.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict a vertical river flowing downward (north to south), with a town on the right/east side of the river, and a forest on the left/west side. Labels should clearly identify each feature.

Question 7: Explain what a legend or key on a map is used for. Why is it important?

Answer: A legend explains the symbols, colors, and markings used on the map, allowing users to interpret the features accurately. It is important for understanding what different symbols represent, such as roads, rivers, or landmarks.

Question 8: A map shows a mountain range with contour lines spaced very close together. What does this tell you about the slope of the terrain, and what might you expect at the peak?

Answer: Close contour lines indicate a steep slope. At the peak, the contour lines would form a closed loop, often with the highest elevation marked or indicated by a summit point.

Question 9: Sketch a simple compass rose and demonstrate how it indicates the principal directions. Include North, East, South, and West.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a circle with four main arrows pointing outward: North at the top, East to the right, South at the bottom, and West to the left. The compass rose may include intermediate directions (NE, SE, SW, NW).

Question 10: Describe how you would use a map’s scale and a compass to plan a route from your school to a nearby park.

Answer: First, measure the distance between the school and the park on the map using a ruler and convert it using the scale to find the real-world distance. Then, use the compass to determine the direction from the school to the park, setting a bearing accordingly. Follow the route using landmarks or features identified on the map.