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Cartographic Skills

Cartographic skills relate to a variety of maps at different scales. You need to be able to use and interpret atlas maps, Ordnance Survey (OS) maps at 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 scales, and thematic maps including choropleth, isoline, dot, proportional symbol, flow line and desire line maps. You also need skills in using grid references, scale, distance, direction, contour lines, spot heights, and map sketching. These skills are assessed across all three papers.

1) Lines of latitude run horizontally around the Earth. They measure how far north or south of the equator a place is. 2) Lines of longitude run vertically around the Earth. They measure how far east or west of the Prime Meridian (a line of longitude running through Greenwich in London) a place is. 3) Latitude and longitude are measured in degrees.

Key Terms

Latitude — Horizontal lines running around the Earth measuring how far north or south of the equator a place is, measured in degrees.
Longitude — Vertical lines running around the Earth measuring how far east or west of the Prime Meridian (Greenwich, London) a place is, measured in degrees.

Exam Tips

  • •Always give grid references with eastings (across) first, then northings (up). Remember: 'along the corridor and up the stairs'.
  • •When describing map distributions, identify the general pattern first, then mention any anomalies. Use place names and compass directions.
  • •For distance questions on OS maps at 1:50,000 scale, remember: 2 cm on the map = 1 km in real life (one grid square = 1 km).
  • •Close contour lines = steep slopes. Widely spaced contour lines = gentle slopes or flat land.
  • •When labelling photos or diagrams, use correct geographical terms (e.g. arete, meander, wave-cut platform) and include at least as many labels as there are marks.
  • •For comparing figures (e.g. a map and a photo), first find matching features like major landmarks, then identify differences and explain why they might differ.
  • •Practice reading six-figure grid references by imagining the grid square divided into tenths in both directions.
  • •When sketching maps, copy the grid first for accuracy, use pencil, and always add labels if requested.