KS3 Geography: Understanding OS Symbols and Map Skills

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore Ordnance Survey (OS) symbols and how they help us understand maps. We will learn to organize these symbols in a table, identify features on a map, and use grid references. Let’s dive in!

Part A: Organising OS Symbols

A.a) Drawing the Table

1. Draw a table with four columns:
   • Drawings
   • Lines
   • Abbreviations
   • Colours

A.b) Examples of Symbols

• Drawings: Footpath (a dashed line with small dots).
• Lines: Road (a solid line).
• Abbreviations: R for river.
• Colours: Green for parks or woodlands.

Part B: Map Analysis of Flamborough Head

B.1) Evidence of Tourism

B.a) Evidence on the Map

Look for symbols that suggest tourism, such as:

• Camping areas (represented by tents).
• Tourist information centres (often marked with an “i”).
• Beaches (shown with wavy lines).

B.b) Features to Identify

Find and name three features using the land features section:

• Cliffs.
• Beaches.
• Lighthouses.

Part C: Grid References in Teeside

C.1) Four-Figure Grid References

C.a) Finding Grid References

• Bran Sands: Find the four-figure grid reference.
• Steel Works: Identify this on the map.
• Oil Terminal: Locate and give its grid reference.

C.2) Six-Figure Grid References

C.b) More Precise Locations

1. A viewpoint: Use tenths to find it.
2. A roundabout on an A-road: Identify its grid reference.
3. A mast: Locate and give its grid reference.
4. A beacon: Find its grid reference.
5. A nature reserve: Identify and give this grid reference.

Part D: Mapzone Website

D.1) Downloading Resources

Visit the Mapzone website and download the symbols for 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 OS maps. This will help you understand the symbols better!

Questions

Easy Level Questions (20)

1. What are OS symbols?
2. Name one type of line you might find on a map.
3. What colour represents water on a map?
4. Draw a simple symbol for a park.
5. What does the abbreviation “R” stand for?
6. What symbol shows a footpath?
7. Which colour is used for built-up areas?
8. How do you represent a hill on a map?
9. What does a dashed line usually mean?
10. What do you look for to find a tourist information centre?
11. Why are symbols important on maps?
12. What type of feature is a lighthouse?
13. What do you call the area where you can camp?
14. How would you find the grid reference for a beach?
15. What do the different colours on a map represent?
16. Name a symbol that indicates a river.
17. How do you identify a nature reserve on a map?
18. What is the purpose of a map key?
19. What is a viewpoint symbol usually like?
20. Why might someone want to visit Flamborough Head?

Medium Level Questions (20)

1. List three features that suggest an area is used for tourism.
2. How do you read a grid reference?
3. What is the significance of a six-figure grid reference?
4. What type of symbol would indicate a major road?
5. How do you distinguish between different types of parks on a map?
6. Why would a tourist need a map?
7. What are the three parts of a six-figure grid reference?
8. How would you find a viewpoint using grid references?
9. What does the abbreviation “N” signify on a map?
10. Explain how to find the grid reference for a roundabout.
11. How are cliffs represented on a map?
12. Why is it beneficial to use symbols on maps?
13. Identify a feature you would see at Bran Sands.
14. What is the difference between a four-figure and six-figure grid reference?
15. How do you locate an oil terminal on a map?
16. What might a dashed line represent?
17. How can you tell where a nature reserve is located?
18. What could you find in a tourist information centre?
19. Explain the importance of using colours on maps.
20. What features on a map might attract tourists?

Hard Level Questions (20)

1. Discuss how understanding OS symbols can help in navigation.
2. Compare the features of a 1:50,000 map to a 1:25,000 map.
3. How are human-made features shown differently from natural features?
4. What challenges might arise when reading a map without symbols?
5. Explain the process of finding a six-figure grid reference step-by-step.
6. How can maps assist in planning a visit to a nature reserve?
7. What types of lines would indicate different levels of road importance?
8. Why might a nature reserve have a specific symbol?
9. Describe the significance of contour lines on a map.
10. How can a poorly drawn map affect the understanding of the area?
11. What are the advantages of using digital maps?
12. How does scale influence the representation of features?
13. Explain how tourism affects the geography of an area like Flamborough Head.
14. What is the relevance of a key in understanding maps?
15. How can symbols reveal historical features of an area?
16. Discuss the importance of accurately representing features on maps.
17. What role does tourism play in the economy of an area?
18. How do symbols assist in emergency situations?
19. Why is it essential to update maps regularly?
20. Discuss the relationship between symbols and the environment.

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. OS symbols are pictures or signs used on maps to represent real features.
2. One type of line is a road.
3. Blue represents water.
4. A simple park symbol can be a green square.
5. “R” stands for river.
6. A footpath is shown as a dashed line.
7. Brown is often used for built-up areas.
8. Hills are shown with contour lines.
9. A dashed line usually means a footpath.
10. Look for an “i” symbol.
11. Symbols help us understand different features quickly.
12. A lighthouse is a navigational aid.
13. A camping area is often marked with a tent symbol.
14. You find the grid reference by locating the beach on the map first.
15. Different colours represent different types of land use.
16. A river is usually shown with a blue line.
17. A nature reserve is shown with a green area.
18. The map key explains what each symbol means.
19. A viewpoint symbol usually looks like a triangle or a dot.
20. Flamborough Head is known for its cliffs and beaches.

Medium Level Answers

1. Features that suggest tourism include beaches, campsites, and tourist information centres.
2. To read a grid reference, first find the eastings (the first part) and then the northings (the second part).
3. A six-figure grid reference gives a more precise location than a four-figure one.
4. A major road is usually shown with a thicker solid line.
5. Different parks may have symbols that vary in colour or shape.
6. A tourist needs a map to find locations and navigate the area.
7. The three parts of a six-figure grid reference are eastings, northings, and tenths.
8. You find a viewpoint by using the grid reference provided on the map.
9. “N” signifies north.
10. To find the grid reference for a roundabout, locate it on the map and read the corresponding eastings and northings.
11. Cliffs are typically represented by steep lines or shading.
12. Symbols make maps easier to read and understand.
13. Bran Sands may have features like a beach or promenade.
14. A four-figure grid reference tells you the area, while a six-figure grid reference gives a specific location within that area.
15. An oil terminal can be identified by looking for specific industrial symbols on the map.
16. A dashed line usually represents a path or footpath.
17. A nature reserve is often highlighted with green shading or a specific symbol.
18. You can find maps and brochures in a tourist information centre.
19. Colours help differentiate between types of land such as parks, water, and urban areas.
20. Maps may show features that attract tourists, like scenic views or historical sites.

Hard Level Answers

1. Understanding OS symbols helps people navigate by recognizing features quickly.
2. A 1:50,000 map shows a larger area with less detail compared to a 1:25,000 map, which is more detailed.
3. Human-made features are usually represented with different symbols than natural features.
4. Without symbols, it can be difficult to understand what each feature on a map represents.
5. To find a six-figure grid reference, identify the grid square, divide it into tenths, and read the numbers for eastings and northings.
6. Maps can show trails, points of interest, and other features that are important for visiting a nature reserve.
7. Different lines indicate the importance of roads; for example, major roads are thicker.
8. A nature reserve may have a specific symbol to indicate its protected status.
9. Contour lines show the elevation of the land and how steep it is.
10. A poorly drawn map can create confusion and lead to misnavigation.
11. Digital maps can be updated easily and provide real-time information.
12. Scale affects detail; a larger scale shows more detail than a smaller scale.
13. Tourism can lead to increased development and changes in land use around areas like Flamborough Head.
14. A key is essential for understanding symbols and navigating effectively.
15. Symbols can reveal features like old ruins or historical landmarks.
16. Accurate representation of features ensures that maps are useful and reliable.
17. Tourism can provide jobs and help local businesses thrive.
18. Symbols can guide people to safety in emergencies, showing exits and safe areas.
19. Regular updates keep maps accurate and relevant to current conditions.
20. The relationship between symbols and the environment can show how land is used and preserved.

This guide should help you grasp the significance of OS symbols and how to use maps effectively. Remember, practice makes perfect!