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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Direction, Scale, Symbols and Keys
Maps are the geographer's most important tool! They help us understand our world by showing what's where and how things relate to each other. Cartographic skills are the techniques we use to read, interpret and create maps effectively.
Key Definitions:
Being able to describe and follow directions is essential for navigation and spatial understanding in geography.
The four main compass points are North (N), East (E), South (S) and West (W). Between these are four intermediate directions: Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW) and Northwest (NW).
On most maps, North is at the top of the page. If it isn't, a compass rose or north arrow will show you which way is north.
A bearing is a more precise way to describe direction. It's measured in degrees clockwise from North:
For example, a bearing of 045° means northeast, while 225° means southwest.
To take a bearing from one point to another on a map:
Hikers use bearings to navigate in unfamiliar terrain. By taking a bearing from their current position to a visible landmark, they can maintain a straight course even when the landmark temporarily disappears from view due to terrain features.
Scale tells us how much the real world has been shrunk to fit on the map. It's usually shown in three different ways:
Written as a sentence, like "One centimetre represents one kilometre" or "1 cm to 1 km".
Simple to understand but less precise for measurements.
Written as a ratio, like 1:50,000 (read as "one to fifty thousand").
This means 1 unit on the map represents 50,000 of the same units in real life. So 1 cm on the map = 50,000 cm (or 500 m) in reality.
A line marked with distances, like a mini ruler on the map.
Very useful for quickly measuring distances without calculations.
To find the real-world distance between two points on a map:
Example: If two towns are 4 cm apart on a 1:50,000 scale map, the real-world distance is:
4 cm × 50,000 = 200,000 cm = 2,000 m = 2 km
Different scales are used for different purposes. Large-scale maps (like 1:10,000) show a small area in great detail, perfect for urban planning. Small-scale maps (like 1:1,000,000) show large areas with less detail, ideal for showing countries or continents.
Maps use symbols to represent real-world features. Without symbols, maps would be cluttered with tiny pictures or text labels that would be hard to read.
Point symbols: Represent features at specific locations (churches, schools, viewpoints)
Line symbols: Show linear features (roads, railways, rivers)
Area symbols: Indicate regions with particular characteristics (forests, lakes, built-up areas)
The key or legend explains what each symbol means. Always check the key first when reading a new map!
Symbols are often designed to look like what they represent (pictorial) or use colours that make sense (e.g., blue for water).
Ordnance Survey maps use standardised symbols that geographers need to learn.
Ordnance Survey maps use a consistent set of symbols across their maps. Here are some you should know:
Ordnance Survey (OS) maps are the UK's official mapping agency. They produce detailed maps at various scales, with 1:25,000 (Explorer) and 1:50,000 (Landranger) being the most common for outdoor activities. These maps use over 100 different symbols to represent everything from post boxes to wind turbines!
In your exam, you'll likely be asked to identify features using the OS map key and to describe locations using grid references and compass directions.
Understanding cartographic skills isn't just for passing exams – these are real-world skills used in many situations:
Hikers, sailors and pilots all rely on map reading skills to navigate safely.
Planners use maps to design cities and decide where to place new developments.
Scientists map habitats, pollution and natural resources to help protect our environment.
In your iGCSE Geography exam, you might be asked to:
Practice these skills regularly with past paper questions to build your confidence!
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