,Back to Basics:
What is a map?:
A map is a symbolic representation of the characteristics of a
place.
We get two types of maps:
1. Topographical map:
A small scale map showing a larger region with less
detail.
Physical features: natural features on a map represented
as blue and green areas and brown lines
Constructed features: man-made features on a map
represented as grey lines and areas, black symbols, green
cultivated land, blue lines and symbols and red lines.
The map scale of a topo map is 1:50 000 (1 cm on the
map represents 50 000 cm on the ground).
2. Orthophoto map:
a large scale map showing a smaller area, but with
more detail.
A prime example of a vertical aerial photograph, with
more details with a map scale of 10 000 (1cm on the
map represents 10 000 cm on the ground).
Orthophoto maps are 5 times larger than
topographical maps.
, orthophoto maps are made from aerial photographs:
Vertical aerial photos:
Taken from directly above and has a bigger scale
Oblique aerial photos:
Taken from higher above at an angle
We get two types of oblique photos:
High: shows a bigger area with an unclear image
Low: shows a specific image of an area where images are
clearer
What can be interpreted from photos and maps?:
1. The type of landform
2. Settlement type
3. What the land is being used for
Telling the time of day:
The direction of a shadow can determine the time the
picture was taken.
The longer the shadow, the earlier it was taken, the
shorter the shadow, the later in the day it was taken
Shadow lies to the southwest: taken before 12
Shadow lies to the southeast: taken after 12
The features of a map:
1. The name of the map:
Will always include the name of the town as well as the
latitude and longitude.