Exam Preparation » Paper 2 map skills practice

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

How to read and interpret different types of maps for Paper 2
Essential map skills including grid references, scale and direction
How to analyse relief and contour patterns
Techniques for measuring distance and calculating area
Strategies for tackling map-based questions in your exam

Introduction to Map Skills for Paper 2

Map skills are a crucial part of your iGCSE Geography Paper 2 exam. You'll need to be comfortable reading, interpreting and analysing different types of maps. Don't worry - with a bit of practice, these skills will become second nature!

Key Definitions:

Ordnance Survey (OS) maps: Detailed maps of the UK that use standard symbols and scales.
Topographic maps: Maps that show the physical features of an area, including relief.
Thematic maps: Maps that focus on specific themes (like population or climate).
Atlas maps: Collections of maps in book form, often showing countries or regions.

⊕ What to expect in Paper 2

Paper 2 will test your ability to extract and interpret information from maps. You might be asked to:

Give grid references for specific features
Describe the distribution of features
Calculate distances or areas
Identify landforms from contour patterns
Suggest reasons for the location of human features

☆ Top tips for success

To do well in the map skills section:

Practice regularly with different maps
Learn the common symbols used on OS maps
Become confident with grid references
Use the correct geographical terminology
Read the questions carefully - they often tell you what to look for

Essential Map Skills

Grid References

Grid references help you pinpoint exact locations on a map. Think of them as coordinates on a graph.

⧉ Four-figure grid references

These identify a 1km square on the map.

Read the eastings (horizontal lines) first - "along the corridor"
Then read the northings (vertical lines) - "up the stairs"
For example, grid reference 3246 means 32 east, 46 north

⧉ Six-figure grid references

These pinpoint a location to within 100m.

Find the four-figure grid reference first
Estimate tenths along from the easting line
Estimate tenths up from the northing line
For example, 326468 means 32.6 east, 46.8 north

Scale and Distance

Map scale tells you the relationship between distances on the map and real-world distances.

↔ Linear Scale

A line showing distances - just measure with a ruler and compare to the scale bar.

½ Ratio Scale

Written as 1:25,000 (means 1cm on map = 25,000cm or 250m in real life).

√ Statement Scale

Written as "1cm to 0.25km" or similar - tells you directly what map distances represent.

Measuring straight-line distance

Use a ruler to measure between two points, then convert to real-world distance using the scale.

Measuring winding routes

Use a piece of string to follow the route, then measure the string and convert using the scale. Alternatively, use a map measurer (like a small wheel) that you roll along the route.

Direction

You need to be able to describe direction accurately using compass points.

↻ Compass directions

The four main points are North (N), East (E), South (S) and West (W).

For more precise directions, use the eight-point compass: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW.

For even more precision, use the 16-point compass which includes points like NNE, ENE, etc.

° Bearings

Bearings are measured in degrees clockwise from north:

North = 000° or 360°
East = 090°
South = 180°
West = 270°

Always give bearings as three digits (e.g., 047° not 47°).

Understanding Relief and Contours

Relief refers to the shape of the land - its hills, valleys and other features. On maps, relief is shown using contour lines.

Contour lines join points of equal height above sea level. The closer together the contour lines, the steeper the slope.

▴ Hills and Mountains

Appear as concentric circles or ovals, with the highest point in the middle. Contours are often closer together on one side, showing a steeper slope.

▾ Valleys

Contour lines form a 'V' shape pointing upstream. The closer the contours, the steeper the valley sides.

─ Plateaus

Appear as widely spaced contours followed by closely packed ones, indicating a flat area with steep sides.

Contour Patterns: Quick Reference

Closely spaced contours: Steep slope
Widely spaced contours: Gentle slope
V-shaped contours: Valley (V points uphill)
Circular contours: Hill or depression (check the height numbers)
Contours with small 'teeth': Cliff (teeth point downhill)

Interpreting Human and Physical Features

Maps show both natural (physical) features and those created by humans. Being able to identify and interpret these is crucial for Paper 2.

⊞ Human Features

Settlements: Size, shape and pattern (linear, nucleated, dispersed)
Transport: Roads, railways, airports, ports
Land use: Farming, industry, recreation, residential
Services: Schools, hospitals, places of worship

⊞ Physical Features

Relief: Hills, valleys, plains, cliffs
Drainage: Rivers, lakes, marshes
Coastal features: Beaches, cliffs, spits
Vegetation: Woodland, heath, grassland

Describing Patterns and Distributions

When asked to describe patterns, use geographical terminology accurately:

Distribution: Even, uneven, clustered, scattered, random, linear
Density: High, low, sparse, concentrated
Location: Use compass directions and grid references
Relationships: "Features X are often found near features Y"

Case Study Focus: OS Map of a Coastal Area

When examining a coastal OS map, look for:

Evidence of coastal erosion (cliffs, narrow beaches)
Coastal defences (sea walls, groynes)
Tourist facilities (car parks, viewpoints, beaches)
Settlement patterns (often set back from eroding coastlines)
Transport links (coastal roads, harbours)

Being able to identify these features and explain their relationship to coastal processes is a valuable skill for Paper 2.

Exam Strategies for Map Questions

✓ Before you start

Check the map's scale and orientation
Familiarise yourself with the key/legend
Scan the whole map to get a general impression
Note any special features or patterns

✓ Answering questions

Read each question carefully - underline key words
Use the correct terminology in your answers
Support descriptions with specific evidence from the map
Use grid references to pinpoint locations
Check the mark allocation to gauge how detailed your answer should be

Common Question Types and How to Tackle Them

? "Describe the relief..."

Mention height range, steepness of slopes, major landforms and patterns. Use evidence from contour patterns.

? "Suggest reasons for..."

Link features to physical factors (relief, rivers) or human factors (transport, resources) that might explain their location.

? "Compare areas X and Y..."

Note similarities and differences in features, patterns and land use. Be specific about both areas.

Practice Makes Perfect!

The best way to improve your map skills is through regular practice. Try these activities:

Find features on maps and give their grid references
Measure distances between different points
Identify landforms from contour patterns
Describe the distribution of features using proper geographical language
Compare different areas on the same map

Remember: Map skills aren't just for exams - they're useful in real life too!