NAME__________________________
Class_____________________________
Using this book:
 There is a checklist on page 2.
 All the notes for the skills section are in the first part of the booklet. The
activities are in the second half of the booklet.
 You should look over the work after the lesson to recap what you have done.
 TEACHER TAUGHT: Your teacher will teach you triangular graphs and cross
sections as these are more sophisticated techniques.
 Make sure you ask your teacher to check your work before you move on.
1
Topic
Basic Skills
Cartographic
(map) skills.
Graphical Skills
GIS
Learning Objectives
I have looked at it

To label and annotate
diagrams, maps, graphs and
sketches.
To draw sketches from
photographs.
To use and interpret aerial,
oblique and satellite photos
for different landscapes.
To be able to recognise and
describe distributions and
patterns of both human and
physical features.
To be able to use a key on an
OS map to recognise symbols.
To be able to give and read 4figure and 6-figure grid
references.
To know how to measure
straight line and winding
distances.
To be able to draw a cross
section.
To recognise simple contour
patterns on a map.
To be able to infer human
activity from map evidence,
including tourism.
To be able to use a map in
association with photos,
sketches and written
directions.
To be able to complete a
variety of graphs, charts and
maps.
To be able to interpret a
variety of graphs, including
those located on maps and
topological diagrams.
To know what GIS is.
To be able to describe the
advantages and disadvantages
of GIS.
2
I have revised it
well

I really know it

Basic Skills
To label and annotate diagrams, maps, graphs and sketches.
Labelling is when you say what something is. Annotating is when you add notes to explain
something e.g. how it was formed. Which diagram below is labelled and which is annotated?
Ash cloud
Lava
Side Vent
Vent
Crust
Magma Chamber
Ash cloud formed when the
volcano erupts. Affected
plane flight in Iceland.
Side Vent – comes of the main vent and out of the side of the volcano.
Crust
Lava – molten rock. Lava can be viscous or runny and will destroy farmland
and settlements.
Magma Chamber
Maps are already labelled with lots of information but they are seldom annotated. Your job is to
annotate them with the patterns and features you see and explain them. You need to be able to
describe distribution and trends.
Distribution
Overview? - Is the pattern evenly distributed or unevenly distributed?
Are there any anomalies? These are things that don’t fit the pattern.
Are there any clusters or lines?
Words you should be using:
Words to describe how many: fewer, more etc.
Words to describe how much of a pattern: fairly, quite etc.
Words to describe where: Southeast, bottom right etc.
Words to describe a shape: clustered, linear, dispersed etc.
Trends
Distributions
This
is usually represented on a graph.
Overview? – What happens overall? Is there an increase/decrease?
How does the trend vary? Does it always increase or are there specific changes?
Are there any anomalies?
Use words such as: Increase, decrease, rapidly, slowly.
3
To draw sketches from photographs.
Sketches simplify the view. You only need to include important features that are relevant to what
you are trying to show.
The sketch above is very detailed.
It shows the town of Warkworth
surrounded by a meander. It is
annotated.
The sketch of the windmill isn’t
annotated. It is labelled.
To use and interpret aerial, oblique and satellite photos for different landscapes.
Satellite
Vertical aerial
A satellite image is
a picture of the
earth taken from
space.
Oblique aerial
Aerial photos, taken by
a plane, can be taken
from above (vertical) or
from the side (oblique)
4
You need to be able to INTERPRET each type of photo. Interpret means you can understand what
is going on in the photo. You can say what is happening or give reasons for what you see.
What should you talk about when being asked to interpret a photo?
Physical
features
Relief
Is the area hilly or flat?
Features
Are there any rivers visible? If so, and there is a map as well, can you name them?
Are there any other physical features e.g. beaches that are noticeable on the photo?
What does this imply?
Farming
Human
features
What are the field sizes like? What shape are they? What does this imply?
What kind of farming is it? (Pastoral = animals. Arable = crops, mixed = a bit of both).
How are the fields divided? Why?
Vegetation Are there any forests/tree lines. What pattern do they form? Linear (in a line), dispersed
(scattered trees), clustered (many around a point). What could a lack of trees show?
Settlement Are there any villages/houses/towns? If there is a map, can you name them? What shape
are they? (Linear = along a road in a line, Dispersed = a few houses scattered, nucleated =
village formed around a point e.g. a church or crossroads).
Tourist
Are there any features set up for tourism? E.g. car parks, castles.
features
Cartographic Skills
To be able to recognise and describe distributions and patterns of both human and physical features.
You need to be able to describe, in detail, what something is like, how it is spread out and why
that might be the case.
5
Human features
Land Use:
What is the land being used for?
How do you know?
Is it for tourism/industry/housing?
How big is the area being used?
How is it distributed?
Settlement: Settlement is where people live – hamlets, villages, towns, cities etc.
Other detail you should include
Is the settlement along a line of
communication e.g. a road?
Is the settlement focused around a
point e.g. a church?
What is the site of the settlement?
What is the situation of the
settlement?
Distribution of settlement
Nucleated = around a point e.g. a church or cross roads.
What kind of relief does the settlement
sit on?
Linear = often along a line of communication e.g. a road
Dispersed = Houses that are on their own or in a very small group. E.g.
farm buildings.
How big is the settlement? (Use
measuring maps to help).
Settlement SITE:
The site is the land that the settlement is built on. You should remember SHAWL
S
H
A
W
L
Shelter from strong winds and storms
Height above sea level
Aspect, the way the slope faces
Water supply
Land that the settlement is built on, such as above the floodplain, fertile land, type of slope.
Settlement SITUATION:
The site is the land that the settlement is built on. You should remember SHAWL
P
A
R
C
Places – what other places are around the settlement? How far are they. What direction are
they?
Accessibility – is the area accessible? How? E.g. are there major roads/railways?
Relief – what is the relief like surrounding the area?
Communications – What roads/rivers/railways are there?
You can also talk about the type of site. These would be good as an opening sentence when
describing the site.
E.g. The town of ***** is a coastal town because it is located by the sea.
6
Physical features
Rivers and river valleys:
Are there any rivers? If not, say there aren’t.
Do they meander or are they straight?
Is the pattern of settlement affected by the river?
What size is the river?
Vegetation:
Use the key to name the different types of vegetation.
Relief: The shape of the land.
7
You need to be able to recognise the different contour patterns.
Height is also shown by spot heights which are written on the map. These
are measured in metres above sea level.
To be able to use a key on an OS map to recognise symbols.
The key will be on the map you are given. Make sure you find it and use it when you answer exam
questions in this paper.
8
To be able to give and read 4-figure and 6-figure grid references.
Four-figure grid references
Northings
Each square has a grid reference which
you get by putting together the
numbers of the easting and northing
that cross in its bottom left hand
corner.
You always read along the bottom
first and then up the side. You can
remember this by crawl before you
can walk or along the corridor, up
the stairs.
Six-figure grid references
In your head, you should be able to divide all
sides of the square into ten equal sections. By
doing this, you can pinpoint locations within
the square – these are called six-figure grid
references.
EASTINGS
Worked example
Q: What is the 4 figure grid reference for the school (sch).
1) Read along the bottom first. Which box is it in?
Answer = 58
2) Read along the side. Which box is it in?
Answer = 73
3
3) So, the 4 figure grid reference is 5873
Q: What is the 6 figure grid reference for the school (sch).
8
1) Firstly, work out the 4 figure grid reference and write this out.
Answer = 5873
2)
We now need to say how far along the box and how far up the box the school is.
Answer = 58? 73?
Answer = 588 733
To know how to measure straight line and winding distances.
B
A
B
A
A
Straight Line Distance.
Winding Distance.
9
For the straight line distance, you
measure between two points. For a
winding distance, you measure the
length of something. E.g. the length
of a road.
How to measure straight line and winding distances.
The steps are similar for each method.
Straight line distances:
1) Draw a small circle around each of the points you are measuring to and from.
2) On a piece of paper (the edge), mark the start with a small line and the finish point with a
straight line.
B
A
A
3) Measure the distance between the two lines you have drawn in
centimetres.
4) You can use the scale at the bottom of the map to work out the
distance in kilometres by placing the paper on the scale.
OR divide the distance in centimetres by 2 to
get an answer in kilometres.
Winding distances:
1) Repeat steps 1 and 2 for straight line distances.
2) Place the corner of a straight edge of your paper on your starting point. Now pivot the
paper until the edge follows the route that you want to take.
3) Every time the route disappears or moves away from the straight edge of your paper,
make a small mark on the edge and pivot the paper so the edge is back on course.
4) Repeat this process until you reach your destination.
5) Repeat stages 3 and 4 of straight line distance.
To recognise simple contour patterns on a map.
See page 8
10
To be able to infer human activity from map evidence, including tourism.
Infer means that you can say what is going on in an area by the map. The map might not tell you
directly but you can have an estimated guess.
E.g. if you see that there are lots of tourist symbols in the area, you can assume that the area is
popular with tourists.
If there are large fields, you can assume that the area is used for agriculture. If the fields are large
or coloured, you can say that they are used for crops and that they are farmed using machinery.
The map key is really useful at this point.
To be able to use a map in association with photos, sketches and written directions.
For this section you need to be able to identify features on photos using the map. The exam
question will usually ask you to look at a certain area using grid references and direction. Make
sure you can do these skills. Draw a grid around the area you are looking at to help you focus on
the area.
To be able to complete a variety of graphs, charts and maps.
Bar graphs. Histograms and compound bar graphs
Bar graphs show categorical data e.g. hair colour
Histograms show continuous data e.g. numbers of people at times of day.
If the data is categorical, the bars should have spaces in between them.
If the data is continuous the bars join together.
Bar
graph
Histogram
Compound Bar graph
Line Graphs and compound line graphs
Line graphs are drawn by plotting points by their X and Y coordinates, then joining them
together or drawing a line through the middle. Compound line graphs show categories within a
data set. E.g. where tourists have come from out of a total amount.
11
Line graph
Compound line graph
The graph is divided into sections that make up a whole.
The top line shows the total amount while the others
show patterns in each section.
Pyramid charts, flow lines and isoline graphs
Pyramid charts are most commonly
used to show population. They spilt
the data into categories e.g. male
and female.
Flow line maps show the
movement of something from one
place to another e.g people.
Isolines join values of equal
value e.g. temperature, height
or time from a certain point.
Located graphs and pictograms Located graphs are graphs that are placed on maps to give data
spatial (where it is) relevance.
12
Proportional located
graph – the circles
represent the
amount. The larger
the circle the higher
the amount.
Located Bar graph:
This is a located bar
graph. You can see a
spatial pattern.
A pictogram is a way of portraying data using symbols or
diagrams which are drawn to scale.
A rose diagram shows movement in a
particular direction. It could be wind
direction or the number of people who
travel to different locations for example.
The length of the line usually represents
the number. E.g. in this case, the length
of the line represents the number of
people travelling to different places from
Exeter.
Rose diagrams and Triangular graphs
TEACHER TAUGHT: Triangular graphs have axes on
three sides. The data must be a total of 100%
It can 3 variables.
To create a triangular graph, you always read at a 60
degree angle. Your teacher will explain how to do
this.
A
B
C
D
13
Primary
20
80
50
30
Secondary
70
10
30
10
Tertiary
10
10
20
60
Topological diagrams
Topological
diagrams are maps that
instead?
are simplified to show certain data.
E.g the London Underground map
shows the position of places in
relation to each other but it does not
show the true route or distances.
You could draw a route from your
house to the school. You wouldn’t
draw everything, only relevant
information. This would also be a
topological map.
Topological maps can also appear like
the oneChoropleth
below where
the country size
Maps
is changed depending on a value.
What would happen if we were
Choropleth maps use shading to show different value.
looking at the % of HIV cases around
the world
Always use the key to look at patterns.
They are a good way to visualise information but can hide differences
within an area. They also show an abrupt change between areas od shading
which is unlikely to exist.
Dispersion and scatter graphs
Dispersion graphs
shows the range
(the spread) of
data. This one
shows pebble size
at three sites. You
can see all of the
different values and
the average which
is marked by a dot.
Radar Graph: Radar
or kite diagrams
show multiple axes
on the same scale.
This one shows
peoples’ opinion of a
town.
Scatter graphs
can show if
there is a
relationship
between two
sets of data.
There are
different
types of
correlation
(relationship).
14
To know what GIS is.
GIS stands for geographical information systems. It is when we use a digital map or
computer to map information, link data to it and visualise and analyse the data. In other
words, we can ask the computer questions and it will tell us the answer using the map and
information we give it. E.g. an ambulance will ask the computer the quickest way to a
house. The computer knows all the roads, how long they are and the speed limits so will
work out for us the quickest route.
GIS works by using layers and stitching them together.
To be able to describe the advantages and disadvantages using ICT/GIS in data presentation
Geographers can use GIS to look at patterns and ask questions about the patterns. E.g. if the coast
were to erode by 5 metres, how many houses would be destroyed.






Advantages
We can layer a lot of information onto
one map allowing us to compare and
analyse
provides ability to show lots of
information on one map
information can be linked together to
help identify spatial patterns / support
analysis of data
more and more people have access to
GIS - e.g. i-phones etc.
GIS used by many public services to
improve services offered
GPS combined with GIS has made
travelling between places easier
Disadvantages




15
May require expensive software and a
computer which needs keeping updated
Some software is complicated to use /
may require training
if too many layers or data are added to a
map it can be difficult to interpret
GIS produces maps - but skills is still
required to interpret the maps in a
geographical context.
TASKS
To label and annotate diagrams, maps, graphs and sketches
To draw sketches from photographs.
Task 1: Look at figure 4 in the resource booklet. Draw an annotated field sketch to show the traffic management
strategies being used.
Task 2: Look at figure 1a in the resource booklet The photograph was taken in grid square 2742 from the cathedral tower
facing approximately east. It shows an area 9 to 10 kms away. Draw an annotated field sketch of the main physical and
human features. Use the map to help you name the features e.g, the name of the village.
To use and interpret aerial, oblique and satellite photos for different landscapes.
To be able to infer human activity from map evidence, including tourism.
To be able to recognise and describe distributions and patterns of both human and physical features.
To be able to use a map in association with photos, sketches and written directions.
Task 1A: Study the Ordnance Survey map and the photograph (fig1a) in the booklet. The photo was taken in grid square
2742 from the cathedral tower facing approximately east. It shows 9-10km away.
Find the area and complete the table.
Letter on photo
R
S
T
As it is a single feature, remember to give a 6-figure reference.
Instruction
Name the village
Give the grid reference for
this feature.
Name the feature
Space for answer
Use the key!
Task 1B: In your book:
a) What is the main land use shown in photograph 1a?
b) Compare the land use of Langley Park in 2144 to the area of land in 1643.
Task 2: In your book
a) Describe the site and situation of Durham. Use map evidence in your answer. (3 marks)
b) Describe the shape of Sacriston (2447)
c) Describe the shape of Low Moorsley (3446)
d) Describe the distribution of woodland north of Durham.
e) Describe the land use east of Durham. Use map evidence in your answer.
Task 3: In your book
a) Durham is popular with tourists. State three pieces of map evidence that this statement is true. (3)
b) Justify your answer to 2c.
c) What is the height of the highest point near Witton Gilbert (2445)
d) Why might I visit the area south east of Lanchester in 1746,1745, 1846 and 1845?
Task 4: In your book
a) A family staying at Rainton Bridge (3448) wish to travel by car to Haswell (3743). Plan their route using only
settlement names, road numbers, distance and direction. Draw a sketch map of the route.
b) Describe the quickest route using road numbers, settlement names and directions from Durham’s Park and
Ride(2544) to Hetton-Le-Hole (3547).
16
Task 5:
a) Find the area of the map
shown in this incomplete
sketch.
b) Add the following features
onto the map using the
correct symbol:
i. Post office
(1848)
ii. Telephone
(2144)
iii. Mast (2248)
c) The road network is
incomplete. Add the A691
onto the map.
d) Draw on and shade the
village of Langley Park.
e) Draw on and shade one area
of mixed woodland.
f) In your book, describe the
section of the River Browney
and its valley shown on the sketch map. Use map evidence in your answer.
To be able to give and read 4-figure and 6-figure grid references.
To be able to use a key on an OS map to recognise symbols.
Use the map of Durham you have been given to complete the questions.
What is at the following grid references?
Give the grid references for the following
Village name at 3142
Village of New Brancepeth
4 fig:
Tourist feature 2645
Park and ride NE Durham
4 fig:
Land feature at 1942
Park and ride South Durham
4 fig:
Farm at 3542
School in Hetton-le hole
4 fig:
Tourist feature at 2544
Car park in Haswell
4 fig:
250488
Public House SW of Esh Winning 6 fig:
213452
Leisure centre at Newton Hall
6 fig:
353459
Church in Shincliffe
6 fig:
182479
Picnic site south of Lanchester
6 fig:
185409
Garden in Durham
6 fig:
To know how to measure straight line and winding distances.
Use the map of Durham you have been given to complete the questions.
All of your answers should be in kilometres.
Straight line distances
From the church in
Lanchester (168475)
to the roundabout
at Witton Gilbert
(229457)
From Haswell Moor
farm (355425) to
the church at
Hallgarth (329436).
Winding distances
From the church in
Lanchester
(168475) to the
roundabout at
Witton Gilbert
(229457).
From Haswell Moor
farm (355425) to
the church at
Hallgarth (329436).
17
To be able to draw a cross section.
Your teacher will give you a lesson on this and give you a worksheet. If you want some extra practice you could do a
cross section for the following: Mark on important features such as roads, rivers and other information (e.g. woods,
campsites).
1) 340400 to 340410
2) 160410 to 170420
3) 190430 to 190450
To recognise simple contour patterns on a map.
1
4
2
5
3
6
1
4
2
5
3
6
Match the
hill shape
with the
correct
contour
pattern.
To be able to complete a variety of graphs, charts and maps.
Line Graph
Construct a line graph to show the number of visitor vehicles visiting Lulworth Cove.
(You should end up with 2 lines)
Friday 6th May
12.30pm
1.00pm
2.00pm
3.00pm
4.00pm
5.00pm
6.00pm
Sunday 8th May
30
42
46
35
12
3
2
84
97
99
83
35
16
15
Compound Line Graph
Construct a compound line graph to show the number (10,000s) of Big Macs eaten around the world.
1985
60
30
2
2
6
USA
United Kingdom
China
India
Japan
1990
55
40
2
1
2
1995
40
40
10
4
6
2000
35
35
20
5
5
2005
35
30
25
5
5
2010
30
25
20
10
15
Scatter Graph
Draw a scatter graph to show the relationship between the size of a settlement and the number of services it
provides. Draw a line of best fit.
Size (No. Of
people)
No. Of
services
400
500
900
1350
1600
1800
2200
2300
2800
1
2
5
4
5
7
8
9
4
18
Pie Chart
Draw a pie chart showing the water usage in Europe.
Sector of water usage
Agriculture
Domestic
Industry
% used
30
15
55
Triangular graph
Plot the countries on the triangular graph using the information below showing the industry type around the
world.
India
Japan
France
UK
Sierra Leone
% Primary
64
8
6
2
80
% secondary
16
34
28
30
6
Isoline graph
19
% Tertiary
20
58
66
68
14
Isoline Graphs
Contour lines are an example
of isolines. Complete the map
by plotting the following lines.
140m, 130m, 110m,
100m,90m,80m and 70m.
Dispersion graphs
Draw a dispersion graph for pebble size at two sites. (cm)
Site 1
Site 2
2
5
5
8
7
10
6
16
3
14
4
12
10
9
1
7
8
4
Pyramid chart
Draw a pyramid chart of a pedestrian count completed outside the gift shop at Lulworth Cove in
May 2012
X – axis = number of people
Y-axis = time
Down to cove
Up to car park
1.00
60
50
1.30
55
40
2.00
100
90
2.30
100
120
3.00
100
100
Pictogram
Construct a pictogram showing how people travel to Bluewater.
Mode of transport
Car
Public transport
Taxi
Bicycle
Motorbike
On foot
Number of people
26
7
1
8
3
5
To be able to interpret a variety of graphs, including those located on maps and topological diagrams.
Task: In your book
For each of the graphs you have drawn (See data below). Describe, using data, the patterns shown.
To know what GIS is.
To be able to describe the advantages and disadvantages of GIS.
1) Explain what GIS is using examples
2) Explain the advantage of using GIS over traditional maps.
3) Describe what is meant by layering information.
4) Describe one group of people who might use GIS. Say how they would use it and why.
20