Introduction to Compass Points

In your primary school, you learned about the compass points. The compass rose shows us directions: North (N), East (E), South (S), and West (W). Each of these points can also be broken down into more specific directions, like Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), and Northwest (NW).

Exercise: Make Your Own Compass Rose

  1. Draw a circle on paper.
  2. Label the main directions: N, E, S, W.
  3. Add the intermediate points: NE, SE, SW, NW.

Directions from Helvellyn

Now, let’s look at Map-flap B of Helvellyn. Here are some directions from the mountain peak of Helvellyn:

  1. Keppel Cove: Head southwest.
  2. Nethermost Pike: Go southeast.
  3. Red Tarn: Move northeast.
  4. Harrop Tarn (Grid reference 312136): Go east.
  5. The bridge over the river (Grid reference 316210): Travel southeast.

How OS Shows Height on Maps

Ordnance Survey (OS) maps use three main ways to show height:

  1. Contour Lines: These lines connect points of equal height. The closer the lines, the steeper the slope.
  2. Spot Heights: These are specific points marked with a height number, showing the exact elevation.
  3. Triangulation Pillars: These are tall structures found on high ground, used for surveying and showing height.

Understanding Slopes

Look at diagrams B and D. You will need to decide if the slopes labelled 1-4 are steep or gentle.

Exercise: Identify Slopes

  1. If the lines are far apart, the slope is gentle.
  2. If the lines are close together, the slope is steep.
  3. Use these rules to analyse the diagrams.

Finding Grid References

Go back to the Helvellyn map-flap:

  1. Four-figure grid references for steep and gentle slopes: Choose areas you see.
  2. Explain your choice: Write down why you think it’s steep or gentle, using evidence from the map.
  3. Six-figure grid reference: Find the triangulation pillar on top of Helvellyn.

Comparing Helvellyn and Flamborough

Look at Map 1 of Flamborough:

  1. Compare it with Helvellyn: What differences do you see in height and landscape?
  2. Spot Heights along the B1259: Write down the spot heights and their six-figure grid references.
  3. Height Changes: Describe how the height changes from Flamborough to Selwicks Bay.
  4. Triangulation Pillars: Why are there none at Flamborough Head?

Questions for Students

Easy Level Questions (20 Questions)

  1. What is the direction opposite to North?
  2. Name one direction that is between North and East.
  3. What do contour lines on a map represent?
  4. How can you tell if a slope is steep from a map?
  5. What does a spot height show?
  6. What is the full direction of SE?
  7. If you are at point A and move west, which direction are you going?
  8. How many main compass points are there?
  9. What is a triangulation pillar?
  10. What does it mean if the contour lines are far apart?
  11. Give one example of a location that might have a steep slope.
  12. What is a six-figure grid reference used for?
  13. If you travel northeast from a point, which two directions are you combining?
  14. How can you find the height of a hill on a map?
  15. What direction would you travel to reach the south?
  16. Why are maps important in Geography?
  17. What does OS stand for in OS maps?
  18. Which direction would you go to get to Keppel Cove?
  19. What is the first thing you do when reading a map?
  20. Why is it useful to know about slopes?

Medium Level Questions (20 Questions)

  1. Describe how to read a six-figure grid reference.
  2. Why would a steep slope be difficult to walk on?
  3. How do contour lines help in hiking?
  4. Compare the landscape of Helvellyn with Flamborough based on height.
  5. What are the effects of elevation on climate?
  6. How can you find a location using grid references?
  7. Why might a triangulation pillar be found on a mountain?
  8. Explain what you might see at a spot height on a map.
  9. What are some characteristics of a gentle slope?
  10. Why might the B1259 have spot heights marked?
  11. What compass point is 90 degrees from North?
  12. How can you tell if a slope is steep by looking at a map?
  13. Describe the difference between a four-figure and a six-figure grid reference.
  14. How does the OS show height differently from other maps?
  15. What types of features might you find at a steep slope?
  16. Why might there be no triangulation pillars at Flamborough Head?
  17. How do you decide which direction to follow on a map?
  18. What evidence can you use to explain why an area is steep?
  19. Why is it important to know your surroundings when hiking?
  20. How do maps help us understand our world better?

Hard Level Questions (20 Questions)

  1. Explain the importance of contour lines in determining land use.
  2. Compare and contrast spot heights and triangulation pillars.
  3. Discuss how different elevations affect human activities.
  4. What would happen if contour lines were too close together?
  5. Why might a map of Helvellyn show different colours?
  6. How do you determine the steepest path on a map using contours?
  7. Discuss how maps like those of Helvellyn and Flamborough can help in environmental studies.
  8. Explain why height changes from Flamborough to Selwicks Bay.
  9. How do you use a compass in conjunction with a map?
  10. What do you think is the role of spot heights in navigation?
  11. Why might OS maps be more detailed than other maps?
  12. Describe the significance of the B1259 road in relation to the landscape.
  13. How can understanding contour lines help in land planning?
  14. What is the relationship between slope steepness and erosion?
  15. Why is it important to know about triangulation pillars in Geography?
  16. How would you explain the difference in landscape between a mountain and a coastal area?
  17. Discuss the challenges of mapping steep areas.
  18. What might be the ecological impact of building on steep slopes?
  19. How can we apply our understanding of maps in real-life situations?
  20. Why might the landscape at Flamborough be less rugged than Helvellyn?

Answers

Easy Level Answers

  1. South (S).
  2. Northeast (NE).
  3. They represent changes in height.
  4. Steep slopes have close contour lines.
  5. It shows the exact height at a point.
  6. Southeast.
  7. West.
  8. Eight main points.
  9. They are used for surveying heights.
  10. The slope is gentle.
  11. A mountain or hill.
  12. To pinpoint a specific location.
  13. North and East.
  14. Look for spot heights or contour lines.
  15. South.
  16. They help us navigate the world.
  17. Ordnance Survey.
  18. Southwest.
  19. Check the map key and scale.
  20. To understand terrain and navigate.

Medium Level Answers

  1. A six-figure grid reference gives a precise location on a map.
  2. The steep slope can be slippery and tiring to climb.
  3. They indicate how steep a trail is.
  4. Helvellyn is higher and rockier, Flamborough is flatter.
  5. Higher elevations can be colder.
  6. By matching the reference to the grid on the map.
  7. For accurate height measurements and navigation.
  8. They give the exact height at a location.
  9. Gentle slopes have more spaced contour lines.
  10. Spot heights help identify road gradients.
  11. East (E).
  12. Steep slopes have closely packed lines.
  13. Four-figure is less precise than six-figure.
  14. OS maps use colours to show different land features.
  15. Steep slopes can have cliffs or rock formations.
  16. Because of the flat landscape and erosion.
  17. By looking at the compass and map.
  18. Use contour lines showing a drop in height.
  19. It helps prevent getting lost.
  20. To help in route planning and safety.

Hard Level Answers

  1. They help determine where buildings can be placed.
  2. Spot heights give exact heights, while triangulation pillars are used for surveying.
  3. Elevation affects agriculture, tourism, and climate.
  4. It indicates very steep areas, making them hard to cross.
  5. Different colours show vegetation, water bodies, and land use.
  6. The steepest path has the closest contours.
  7. They help us understand landforms and human impact on the environment.
  8. The height gradually decreases as you go east.
  9. A compass shows direction, while a map shows location.
  10. They help in finding accurate locations.
  11. OS maps include more detail for navigation and land use.
  12. It connects different areas and shows height changes.
  13. It helps decide where to build or conserve land.
  14. Steeper slopes can erode more quickly.
  15. They help in accurate surveying of landscapes.
  16. Mountains are rugged, while coasts are often smoother.
  17. Mapping steep areas is challenging due to rugged terrain.
  18. Building can lead to increased runoff and soil erosion.
  19. We can use maps for hiking, planning, and navigation.
  20. To avoid getting lost and to find safe paths.

Feel free to ask any questions if you need further clarification! Happy learning!