Maps: meaning, types and uses 

Map reading and interpretation based on contoured survey maps of parts of West Africa: scale, measurement of distances, direction and bearing, map reduction and enlargement, identification of physical features such as spurs, valleys, etc. and cultural features such as city walls, settlements, communication routes, etc.; measurement of gradients, drawing of cross profiles, inter-visibility, description and explanation of drainage characteristics and pattern; patterns of communication, settlement and land use.

A.  Principles of elementary surveying

Definitions of terms, instruments, chain and prismatic compass, plotting of traverse, avoiding obstacles in the field.

B.  Geographic Information System 

Basic concepts, components (hardware, software, data, procedures and experts); sources of data (land surveying, remote sensing, map digitizing, map scanning, field investigation and tabular data etc.); uses (defense, agriculture, urban development, mapping, surveying, transportation, census etc.), problems (power, personnel, capital etc.).

C.  Statistical maps and diagrams

Graphical representation of statistical data: Bar graphs, Line graphs, flow charts, dot maps, proportional circles, density maps, isopleth maps. 

D.  Elements of Physical Geography

The earth as a planet in relation to the sun, latitude and distance, longitude and time, earth’s rotation and revolution and their effects, structure of the earth (internal and external).

E.    Hydrosphere

Ocean basins, salinity, ocean current (causes, types and their effects on the temperature of adjacent coastlands), lakes, rivers, lagoons, water as an environmental resource

      I.         Rocks

Types, characteristics, formation and uses

   II.         Tectonic processes

Vulcanicity, earthquake, landforms: Mountains, plains, karsts and coastal landforms (formation, characteristics and importance)

III.         Denudational processes

Agencies modifying landforms such as weathering, mass movement, running water, underground water, wind and waves.

 IV.         Weather and climate

Simple weather study based on local observation, description of the Stevenson’s screen and uses of basic weather instruments e.g. rain gauge, thermometer, barometer, wind vane etc

  V.         Climate 

a)   Elements:

Rainfall, sunshine, air pressure, wind, humidity, temperature and cloud. Factors affecting climatic elements e.g., altitude, latitude, ocean currents, land and sea breezes, continentality, aspect. Interpretation of climatic charts and data.

b)    Classification

Major types of climates (Hot climate – Equatorial, Tropical Continental, Desert; Temperate climate – warm and cool). Classification of climate based on Greek and Koppen.

c)     Climate change

Meaning, causes, effects and remedies.

VI.         Vegetation

Major types (Tropical Rainforest, cool/warm temperate woodland, Tropical Grassland); characteristics, distribution, factors affecting their distribution, plant communities. Vegetation as an environmental resource. Conservation of vegetation resources

VII.         Soil

Definition, local types and characteristics. Factors and processes of soil formation, soil profile, importance to man and the effects of human activities on soil. Soil erosion and conservation.

VIII.         The environment

a) Environmental resources:

Meaning, classification (renewable and non-renewable) types (vegetation, water, mineral, atmospheric, etc.) and the importance of each.

b)    Environmental problems / hazards:

Types (soil erosion, drought, desert encroachment, flooding and pollution), causes, effects and prevention of each

c)     Environmental conservation:

Meaning, importance, methods, problems and solutions.

A.  World Population

1. Factors and Patterns of Growth,

2. Distribution and Movement,

3. Growth Rate Problems

B.  Settlement

1. Types (Rural and Urban);

2. Patterns and Factors Affecting Location;

3. Growth and Size;

4. Functions of Rural and Urban Settlements;

5.  Interaction Patterns (Urban-Rural, Rural-Urban, Urban-Urban, Rural-Rural); Migration

C.  Transportation

1. Modes (Roads, Railways, Water, Air, Pipeline, Cables, Ropeways Etc.)

2. Transportation And Economic Development (Movement of People and Commodities, National and International Trade, Diffusion of Ideas and Technology, National Integration); Problems of Transportation and Their Solutions

D. Industry

1. Classification (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary).

2. Types (Heavy and Light Industry).

3.  Factors of Industrial Location

4. Contributions To Development; Problems/Solutions.

E.  Trade

1.  Meaning, Types (National and International).

2. Reasons for Trade.

3. Importance.

F.   Tourism

 Meaning, Centers, Reasons (Leisure, Recreation, Education Etc.); Importance, Problems and Solutions.

1.   Senegambia on broad outline

Location, position, size, distance and political divisions.

2.   Physical setting

Relief, drainage, climate, vegetation and soil.

3.   Population

Size, distribution, structure, population quality, population movement, population data (sources, problems &solutions).

4.   Resources

Mineral, power, water and vegetation resources, importance of resources to development.

5.   Agriculture

Types of agricultural practices, food and cash crops, importance, problems and solutions.

6.   Transportation

Mode, advantages and disadvantages, influence of transportation on human activities, problems and solutions.

7.   Communication

Communication networks, advantages and disadvantages, importance, problems and solutions.

8.   Industry

Definition, types, major industrial zones, factors of location, importance, problems and solutions.

9.   Mining

Types, distribution, methods of extraction, problems and solutions.

10.   Fishing

Meaning of fishing, Inland and ocean (in-shore/off shore), methods, types of fish, storage and marketing, problems and solutions.

11.    Issues on development and environmental concerns

Issues of Development and Environmental Conservation: Rural and regional development, resource management and conservation,     environmental pollution e.g., air, water, soil, noise, waste disposal etc.

12.   Trade

Meaning, types (national and international), forex, major commercial areas, importance of commercial activities, problems and solutions.

13.    Tourism

Meaning, centers, reasons for tourism, importance, problems and solutions.

1.   Africa on broad outline

Location, size, position, political divisions and associated islands, physical features and their economic importance (relief, drainage,  climate  and vegetation), distribution of minerals

2.   Selected topics

a.   Irrigation agriculture

Irrigation agriculture in the Basin Nile and the Niger Basin

b.  Plantation agriculture

Plantation agriculture in West and East Africa

c.   Oil production

Oil production in Nigeria, Ghana and Libya

d.  Lumbering

Lumbering in Equatorial Africa (with particular reference to Cote d’Ivoire and Zaire)

e.   Gold Mining

Gold mining in South Africa

f.    Copper mining

Copper mining in Zambia and Zaire

g.  Population

Population distribution in West Africa.

h.   ECOWAS

Meaning, member countries, purposes/mandate, advantages/benefits, disadvantages, problems and solutions.