Showing height and relief on OS maps
I can use contour lines on OS maps to describe the height and shape of the land.
Showing height and relief on OS maps
I can use contour lines on OS maps to describe the height and shape of the land.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Contours show the height of the land on a map.
- Spot heights give the exact height of a place in metres.
- Contours that are far apart show an area of flat land.
- Contours that are close together show steep land.
- Features such as spurs and valleys can be shown on a map.
Keywords
Sea level - The average level of the world’s oceans, which we use as a baseline to measure the height of the land.
Contours - Lines on an OS map that show areas of equal height.
Spur - Elongated ridges that extend downwards from a hill or mountain.
Valleys - Lower-lying areas of land between two higher areas of land.
Common misconception
Contours are only used to show hills and mountains.
Contours are used to show the height of the land at 10 metre intervals above sea level.
Equipment
Local area maps if using the teacher tip.
Licence
Lesson video
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