KS3 Geography: Understanding Vertical Aerial Photographs, Urban and Rural Areas

What is a Vertical Aerial Photograph?

A vertical aerial photograph is a picture taken from directly above the ground. Imagine looking straight down from an airplane! These photographs are useful because they show a large area of land and help us see different features, like buildings, roads, and parks, all in one view.

Key Points:

• Vertical aerial photographs are taken from high above, usually from an airplane.
• They help us understand the layout of an area, including physical and human features.
• These photographs can be compared with maps to find out what different areas look like.

What are Urban and Rural Areas?

Urban areas are places where a lot of people live and work closely together, like cities and towns. Think of busy streets filled with shops, offices, and homes. On the other hand, rural areas are countryside locations where there are fewer people, more open spaces, and natural landscapes, such as farms and forests.

Key Points:

• Urban areas are densely populated and often have lots of buildings and activities.
• Rural areas are less populated with more farmland and nature.
• Both types of areas have different land uses and resources.

Drawing a Sketch Map

When creating a sketch map, start by looking at the vertical aerial photograph closely. Identify key features in the photo, like roads, rivers, and buildings. Then, draw a simple map that includes these features, making sure to label them clearly.

Tips for Sketch Maps:

• Use symbols for different features (e.g., a blue line for rivers).
• Keep your map neat and easy to read.
• Make sure to include a compass rose to show direction (north, south, etc.).

Finding Features on Photo A and OS Map Flap D

When you look at Photo A, you will see letters marking different features. Your job is to find these features on both the photo and the OS map of Southampton. Then, you will fill out a table with the names and grid references for each feature.

Key Features to Find:

1. Town A
2. Water area B
3. River C
4. Land use D
5. Type of road E
6. Land use F
7. Land use G
8. Land use H
9. Building I

Comparison Questions

• Compare the aerial photograph with the map: What differences do you notice in land use?
• Create a key for different land uses you find and colour-code them on your map.

Stretch and Challenge

Use resources like OS Digimap for Schools or Google Earth to explore your own local area. Find maps and aerial photos showing land uses and important features around you. Create your own labelled map and photo of your local area!

Questions

Easy Level (20 Questions)

1. What is a vertical aerial photograph?
2. How is a vertical aerial photograph taken?
3. What do urban areas have a lot of?
4. What do rural areas have more of?
5. Can you name a feature you might see in a vertical aerial photograph?
6. Why are vertical aerial photographs useful?
7. What is one difference between urban and rural areas?
8. What is a sketch map?
9. Why is it important to label a sketch map?
10. What symbol might represent a river on a map?
11. What might you find in an urban area?
12. How do you create a key for your map?
13. What is an OS map?
14. What does OS stand for?
15. Why do we use grid references?
16. What is a compass rose?
17. Can you name a type of land use?
18. What is one thing you should do when drawing a sketch map?
19. Why should you keep your map neat?
20. How can you find maps of your local area?

Medium Level (20 Questions)

1. How can vertical aerial photographs help in geography?
2. Describe the main characteristics of urban areas.
3. What types of features can you find in rural areas?
4. How can you tell if an area is urban or rural just by looking at a map?
5. What are some challenges in interpreting aerial photographs?
6. What tools can help you create a sketch map?
7. Why is it important to compare photographs with maps?
8. How do you find and use grid references on OS maps?
9. What is the significance of land use planning?
10. How might the land use differ between urban and rural areas?
11. Can you name three types of buildings typically found in urban areas?
12. What is the purpose of shading in a map?
13. How would you label a park on your map?
14. Why might a city have more roads than a rural area?
15. How can technology assist in finding maps and aerial photos?
16. Why is it important to include physical features on your map?
17. What information does a map key provide?
18. How do you read a six-figure grid reference?
19. Why could a vertical aerial photograph be more useful than a regular photograph?
20. How could you make your map more visually appealing?

Hard Level (20 Questions)

1. Explain the process of taking a vertical aerial photograph.
2. Discuss how land use has changed in urban areas over the past 50 years.
3. Compare and contrast two different urban areas based on land use.
4. What factors influence land use in rural areas?
5. How does topography affect urban planning?
6. Analyze the impact of urbanisation on rural areas.
7. Describe the importance of green spaces in urban areas.
8. How can public transport influence land use in cities?
9. Discuss the environmental effects of urbanisation.
10. What role do maps play in land use management?
11. How can aerial photography aid in disaster management?
12. Explain the significance of scale in maps.
13. How do cultural factors influence urban land use?
14. What are the challenges of creating accurate maps?
15. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in urban areas.
16. How has technology changed the way we use maps?
17. Explain the term “brownfield” and its importance.
18. How do government policies affect land use in cities?
19. Discuss the role of community surveys in understanding land use.
20. How do historical maps differ from contemporary maps in showing land use?

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. A vertical aerial photograph is a picture taken from directly above the ground.
2. It is taken by an aircraft flying at high altitudes, using specialized cameras.
3. Urban areas have a lot of people, buildings, and businesses.
4. Rural areas have more open spaces, fields, and nature.
5. You might see buildings, roads, rivers, or parks.
6. They help us understand the layout and features of an area.
7. Urban areas are more populated, while rural areas are less populated.
8. A sketch map is a simple drawing of an area showing its features.
9. Labelling helps people understand what each feature on the map represents.
10. A blue line might represent a river on a map.
11. In an urban area, you might find tall buildings and shops.
12. A key explains the symbols used on your map.
13. An OS map is an Ordnance Survey map showing detailed geographical information.
14. OS stands for Ordnance Survey, which is a mapping agency in the UK.
15. Grid references help you find exact locations on a map.
16. A compass rose shows the directions: north, south, east, and west.
17. Types of land use include residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial.
18. When drawing a sketch map, you should make sure to include all relevant features.
19. A neat map is easier to read and understand.
20. You can use online tools, libraries, or school resources to find local maps.

Medium Level Answers

1. They help us visualize and understand the layout of areas for planning and analysis.
2. Urban areas have many buildings, infrastructure, and services, while rural areas have more open spaces and fewer people.
3. Urban areas often have commercial and residential buildings, while rural areas might have farms and parks.
4. Urban areas have higher population density and more constructed features, while rural areas have fewer constructed features.
5. Factors like vegetation, water bodies, and natural obstacles can make urban areas more complex to plan.
6. Urbanisation can lead to the abandonment of rural areas as people migrate to cities for work.
7. Green spaces provide recreational areas and help improve air quality in cities.
8. Efficient public transport can reduce the number of cars on the roads, influencing how land is used.
9. Urbanisation can lead to pollution, loss of habitats, and increased waste.
10. Maps help in visualizing and planning the use of land effectively.
11. Aerial photography provides real-time information about the landscape for planning responses.
12. Scale helps us understand the area represented on the map in relation to the actual distance.
13. Cultural factors influence how spaces are used, such as community gardens or public art installations.
14. Creating accurate maps can be challenging due to changing landscapes and the need for precise measurements.
15. Urban areas often provide more job opportunities, but they can also have issues like congestion and pollution.
16. Technology allows for digital mapping, 3D modeling, and real-time updates.
17. Brownfield sites are previously developed land that can be reused, often requiring cleanup.
18. Government policies can promote or restrict certain types of development in urban areas.
19. Community surveys gather residents’ opinions and needs, influencing land use decisions.
20. Historical maps may show older roads or land uses that have changed over time.

Hard Level Answers

1. It involves capturing images from an airplane or drone, typically using high-resolution cameras.
2. Urban areas have seen increased residential and commercial developments, reducing green spaces.
3. Comparing cities like London and Manchester can show differences in industrial areas and housing types.
4. Factors include soil quality, climate, and economic opportunities available in the region.
5. Topography can dictate where buildings are placed, influencing how cities expand and develop.
6. Urbanisation often leads to rural depopulation, changing community structures and economies.
7. Green spaces help combat urban heat and provide essential habitats for wildlife.
8. Good public transport can encourage dense development and reduce car dependency.
9. Environmental effects include habitat loss, increased runoff, and higher greenhouse gas emissions.
10. Maps help visualize zoning laws, infrastructure, and land ownership for planning purposes.
11. Aerial photography is key in assessing damage and planning recovery during disasters.
12. Scale indicates how much the map has been reduced from the real-world size.
13. Cultural factors shape land use, such as the presence of religious buildings or cultural landmarks.
14. Challenges include keeping maps up-to-date and accurately representing complex terrains.
15. Urban areas can provide access to amenities but also face challenges like crime and overcrowding.
16. Mapping technology has enabled GPS, interactive maps, and online navigation tools.
17. Brownfield sites are crucial for urban renewal, as they provide space for new developments without encroaching on green fields.
18. Policies can control urban sprawl, promote public transport, or protect green belts.
19. They help identify community needs and preferences that can inform land-use planning.
20. Historical maps can reveal changes in land use, population density, and urban development patterns over time.

This guide will help you understand how to use aerial photographs, identify urban and rural areas, and create useful maps! Happy learning!