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What you should know by the end of this lesson:
What you should know by the end of this lesson:
Have the basics of an OS map features
Be able to use 4 and 6 figure grid references
Understand some of the basic principles of evaluating a development site
Recap of key OS map features
Recap of key OS map features
Orange lines are contour lines. They show the height of the land. Thick lines are normally labeled with their height and thinner lines are a 10-metre increase/decrease in height from the previous line.
Green areas with tree symbols are areas of forestry.
Roads are various colours depending on the size and quality of the road.
Motorways are blue
Main/A-Roads are pink
Secondary/B- Roads are orange/yellow
The top of a map is North and the bottom is south. North slopes tend to be colder and south slopes warmer.
Pay attention to the names on a map. There are not tricks but are designed to be obvious so people can find places.
Water Sports centre is water sports
Hotels are normally named
Tent/Caravan symbols indicate a campsite.
You are not expected to remember every symbol. Any map you are provided with will include a map key/legend which you can use to understand your map.
Providing Map Evidence
Providing Map Evidence
The main skill you will be asked to demonstrate is the evaluation of the suitability of a site for development. This is a question that could be in a rural location such as a Glaciated Upland or an Urban area or anywhere developments might occur.
However, the core advantages and disadvantages of building on a site are the same wherever the development is happening. You need to be able to reference the map to show those
advantages and disadvantages...
You also MUST provide map evidence. This can be done through:
Grid references
6 Figure grid references should be used where possible
4 Figure grid references are only acceptable when it covers the entire grid square
Reference to contour lines - heights, or their shape or distance apart
References to the names of roads - A77, B88, etc
Reference named places on the map or the area
Map skills questions only come with practice and frequently using those skills. More than any other it is important to take on board feedback about improving answers for you.
However, there are some core things you might want to make sure you put into your answers.
Digital Workbook or paper Jotter Task
Have a shot at the grid reference questions and see how you get on
Take notes on the key things to look for when evaluating if a site is good or not
Test your map skills, answer the questions below:
What is the 4 figure grid reference (4fgr) of the word Gate?
What is the 6 fgr of a train station (red circle)?
What is the 6 fgr of a School (sch)?
How would you describe the land in grid square 9867?
What is the feature at 998677?
What is the name of the road going from 970668 to 996680?
Check your answers
Check your answers
9868
975685
992684
Flat
Motorway
A7066
Choosing a suitable site
Choosing a suitable site
The main things to consider for a development site are: :
Flat ground is easier to build on – you can tell it is flat when contour lines are far apart (see images).
When something is easier to build on then it tends to be cheaper and quicker to do which saves builders money.
But make sure it isn’t next to rivers or waterways and at risk of flooding…
Contour lines are close together so the land is steep
Contour lines are far apart so the land is flat.
Is there access to the site? For building vehicles and materials during construction. Then for customers to get there. Look for A-roads and motorways if possible
Is there a local population for a workforce or provide accommodation for guests?
Silverburn Shopping Centre was built right next to the M77 allowing easy access for customers, workers and delivery transport.
It has a large nearby populace which can act as a workforce or customers.
Is it near their main attraction? A water sports centre wouldn’t be too good up a hill but should be beside a body of water.
Cairngorm Ski Centre is in an area high up, north-facing and with lots of Corries. This tells us it is an area that will likely have lots of snow which is needed for a ski centre.
Lesson Complete
Lesson Complete
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