shows what size the area that is represented in the map really is

explains what the different symbols, marks and colours used on the map mean

a mark, shape or abbreviation that represents a landmark, feature or area of a map, diagram or drawing

Scale and distance on OS maps

Geography

Pupils will use atlases, maps and globes to develop their locational knowledge of the world. Pupils will focus in on specific places to develop an awareness of how geographers examine place. OS maps and GIS will be used alongside fieldwork to build pupils' procedural knowledge.

Geography: what makes a geographer?

ensures correct real-world distance calculation

Why is accuracy important when measuring distance on a map?

100 000 units on the map equals 1 unit in reality

1 unit on the map equals 10 000 units in reality

1 unit on the map equals 100 000 units in reality

how large an area shown on the map is in real life

maps show a large area but have little detail, e.g. a world map

maps show a smaller area in more detail, e.g. a town or local area

how real distances between areas compare with distances on the map

Match the key terms with their definitions.

Where would you find the scale ratio on an OS map?

how large the area shown on the map is in real life

The smaller the scale of the map, the {{}} the area is in real life.

1 unit on the map equals 1 unit in reality

1 unit on the map equals 50 000 units in reality

50 000 units on the map equals 1 unit in reality 

Which unit is most commonly used for measuring long distances on maps?

There are {{}} centimetres in 1 kilometre.

On an OS map, what compass direction is always at the top of the map?

Starter Quiz