Geography and Maps

TEACHER’S GUIDE

GEOGRAPHY

INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY AND MAPS

TARGET GROUP: S 1

SUB-TOPIC: Definition of geography

Why geography is studied as a subject

Sources of learning geography

TIME REQUIRED: Minimum: 40 Mins Maximum: 80 Mins

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:

Definition of Geography

Geography is the study of man and his environment. According to R.O Buchanan’s “Illustrated Dictionary of Geography”, it is defined as: the study of the diverse features on the earth’s surface such as its relief, climate, vegetation, soils, economic resources, their description, development and distribution; and their interaction with man.

It is therefore the study of how man interacts with the environment.

Geography can also be defined as a descriptive explanation of the spatial differentiations of the phenomenon on the earth’ surface.

Man refers to the human race (all human beings on earth).

The environment refers to the surroundings of man that is, the living things and non-living things such as air, water, plants, animals, and buildings etc. The environment can help man to earn a living in various ways. Among these are; agriculture, mining, fishing, hunting, recreation, settlement, lumbering, transport and communication.

Why study geography in schools

Geography is learnt in schools for a number of reasons

• To acquire knowledge about our environment, its nature, characteristics, components, utilization, and how to control it for both the present and the future generations.
• To understand and explain how man interacts with his surroundings in different environments, his achievements, problems and solutions
• It helps us to be aware of the features within our environment, how they are formed, the benefits we get from, and possible dangers.
• To equip students with skills to enable them to become professionals, such as, teachers, surveyors, planners, geologists and environmentalists as to earn a living.

By studying geography, one acquires more knowledge about the environment. It is therefore the study of how man interacts with the different environments.

Sources of Information in Geography

Geographical knowledge can be acquired from different sources including:

• Classroom teaching by teachers
• Reading news [papers, magazines, journals]
• Interpreting maps, photographs and pictures
• Watching TVs, videos, listening to radios
• Through workshops, seminars, symposiums
• And the environment

The major branches of geography include;

Physical and human geography

Physical geography deals with the study of the earth’s environment, close to the earth’s surface. It refers to the study of aspects such as

• The processes taking place on the earth’s surface, as well as above and below the surface of the earth.

Therefore you have the following sub branches.

• Geomorphology
• Meteorology
• Climatology
• Biogeography
• Geology

Human geography deals with man’s economic activities such as agriculture, commerce, tourism, industrialisation, transport, commerce.

It has the following sub – branches;

• Historical geography
• Cultural geography
• Demography (population)
• Economic geography
• Social geography
• Political geography
• Settlement geography

NB

The sub branches in physical and human geography are so closely, inter-related such that anything affecting one branch will in the end affect all of them. This makes geography a system with closely linked sub-branches.

MAIN CONTENT AND CONCEPTS TO EMPHASISE:

• Definition of geography
• Importance of studying geography
• People who are supposed to study geography
• The sources of learning geography
• The branches of geography

References

• “Illustrated Dictionary of Geography” by R.O Buchanan

“Physical Geography” by Karuggah and Kubusu

TEACHING/LEARNING MATERIALS AND ACTIVITIES:

Task 1: Ask students to examine a wall display of pictures and photographs that illustrate the different branches of Geography.

Task 2: Local visit. Take students around the area surrounding the school to identify geographical features of the immediate surroundings/environment.

Learning objectives

• Identify the geographical features of the environment we live in.
• Record examples of how man interacts with and changes his immediate environment.
• Identify some geographical features of the immediate physical environment, e.g. relief and drainage

Organisational advice and tips

It is good to encourage students to start making accurate geographical records.

Ask them to make brief notes and one or two sketches of the landscape before them.

TEACHER’S GUIDE

GEOGRAPHY

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY AND MAPS

TARGET GROUP: S 1

TOPIC: What is a map

SUB-TOPIC: Definition of a map

Differentiate between a picture and a map

Essentials of a good map

Types of maps

Importance of maps

Problems associated with maps

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:

A map is a picture of the ground drawn as seen from a above. It can be defined as a representation of part of the earth’s surface on a piece of paper. Maps are drawn to show shapes of the countries, the position of water bodies, mountains and man-made features for example roads, towns, settlement schools. When a map of an area is drawn most of the things that are found in that area are shown in their correct positions in relation to other things that appear on the map, so that a map shows the direction, distance, and position of places. Other features such as the names of places, boundaries or heights are added to the map because of the importance they have to a map user. A map can tell us about things that are happening around us close by and far away. It give us this information without having to be at that place.

TIME REQUIRED: Minimum: 40 Mins Maximum: 120 Mins

MAIN CONTENT AND CONCEPTS TO EMPHASISE:

• Definition of a map.
• Differences between a picture and map
• Essential of a map e.g. title, scale, key, campus direction, and a frame (show the relevance of each of them on the map)
• Types of maps e.g. physical, political, climate, population and economic maps.
• Importance of maps.

Problems associated with maps.

TEACHING/LEARNING MATERIALS AND ACTIVITIES:
The teacher should have samples of maps and, if available, aerial photographs.

TASK 1

Draw a map and picture of any object e.g. a desk, pot, tree.

Draw a map of the school with all the essentials of a good map

Learning objectives

• The learner will be able to differentiate between a map and a picture
• The learner will be able to identify some key features on maps and appreciate the different types of maps
• The learner will be able to explain the importance of maps.

Topic Notes

A map is something drawn and seen from above or it can be defined as a representation of a three-dimensional part of the earth’s surface on a flat piece of paper.

Maps are used when it is desired to obtain information about places on the surface of the earth. (Refer to brief description of unit)

What is a picture?

According to Kuruggah and Kubusu, a picture is a representation of an object on a flat surface. This could be on a photograph, on a flat piece of paper, a drawing or a sketch

The difference between a picture and a map.

• A map is drawn to scale showing bigger areas.
• A picture is drawn from a particular viewpoint.
• A map locates features at the exact point while a picture may not represent the actual position of a feature.
• A map shows direction while the picture has no indication of direction.
• A map is drawn from above while a picture is drawn from the one point on the ground.

Essentials of a good map

A good map should have:

Title: this refers to what the map is about; for example Uganda’s physical features

Scale: to show the relationship between the distance on the map and the distance on the ground.

For example 1:50,000 means 1cm on the map represents 50,000 cm on the ground. It allows us to calculate the distance between various features on the map and the actual ground.

Key: this describes the symbols and signs representing different features shown on the map.

A symbol is a simple sign used to describe a feature on the ground.

Examples of symbols used on maps

CH⁺ - church

○W – well

○BH -bore hole

Bridge

Railway line

Compass direction

This refers to a map orientation in relation to the earth. The arrow usually points North.

Types of maps

Maps can be categorised according to what they show, for example

• Physical maps show physical features in an area, for example mountains, lakes, vegetation, soils, etc
• Political maps. Emphasise political divisions or units such as counties, sub-counties, districts, countries, provinces, territories etc.
• Climatic maps show the different climatic regions, climate seasons, rainfall distribution, temperature, pressure etc.
• Population maps show the total number and distribution of people in an area.
• Economic maps show the various economic activities in a region, for example farming mining, fishing, industries and transport etc

Importance of maps

Maps are important in geography because they are used to;

• Store geographical information
• Aid in navigation and mobility
• Help in analysing information such as measurement or computing
• Summarise large amounts of information.
• Visualise what would be invisible.

Problems associated with maps

• Maps are difficult to draw and hence time consuming
• Maps can easily become out dated. This is because geography is dynamic.
• Maps are limited to people with eyes, hence blind people cannot read them.
• Maps can be destroyed by rain, fire, insects etc.
• Maps show major features and leave out minor ones.
• Maps don’t show the actual size of a feature.
• Maps are expensive / costly to buy.

TEACHER’S GUIDE

GEOGRAPHY

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY AND MAPS

TARGET GROUP: S 1

TOPIC: Scales of a map

SUB-TOPIC: Types of scales

TIME REQUIRED: Minimum: 40 Mins Maximum: 80 Mins

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:

A map is always smaller than the area of the land it represents, so a scale is used in order to reduce a larger area of land so that it fits on a piece of paper.

For example in order to fit 100 meters of land on a paper a scale of 1cm representing 10 meters may be used (1cm: 10 meters)

1cm: 10 meters

10cm: Z meters

1cm x Z cm = 10 x10

So, Z = 100 meters

A scale can be expressed in three ways or forms:

• Statement scale
• Linear scale
• Representative fraction scale (RF)

A scale can be changed from one type of scale to another, so long as one follows the correct method of conversion.

MAIN CONTENT AND CONCEPTS TO EMPHASISE:

• Types of scales
• Ways of stating scales i.e. statement scale, linear scale, representative fraction scale
• Changing one type of scale to another.

TEACHING/LEARNING MATERIALS AND ACTIVITIES:

TASK 1

Using a statement scale to convert distance on the ground to distance on the map.

Example 1

Distance on the ground = 60 meters

Map scale: 1cm represents 10 meters or 1cm: 10 meters

We need to work out Z, where Z will be used to represent 60 meters.

If we have Z : 60

then

Z x 10 m = 1 x 60

So

10 Z = 60 meters

10 10

Therefore,

Z = 6cm

i.e We use 6cm on the map to represent 60 meters on the ground.

Example 2

How to draw a linear scale when given the statement scale.

1cm represents 1km

1 line is drawn and divided into sections of 1 cm.

The values which each division represents is then added to the scale.

Therefore the division line is marked 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 etc and km would be written above the numbers

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kilometres

Representative fraction

To obtain this fraction, a length on the map is placed above the distance on the ground. If the statement of a certain scale is 1cm represents 1 meter. This is the scale or proportion between the length on the map and the length on the ground:

Length on the map

Distance on the ground

= 1cm

1 meter

But the length and distance must be in the same unit and the numeration or the fraction is 1.

Therefore ,

1 cm_____ = _1____

1 meter x 100 cm 100 cm

When the scale is represented in this form, it is called a representative fraction, or RF for short.

Advice and tips.

The teacher should give enough exercises on the different types of scales

e.g. changing from statement scale to representative fraction scale, changing from representative fraction scale to statement scale and changing from statement to linear scale.

Topic notes

• Large scales show a small area with a lot of detail, e.g. 1:50 to 1:10,000.
• Medium scales show reasonable detail, e.g. 1: 25000 to 1: 100,000.
• Small scale maps show a large area with minimal detail e.g. 1:250,000 and smaller. (NOTE: 1:250,000 is a smaller scale than 1:25,000)

Ways of stating the scale

A scale can be expresses in three ways:

• Statement scale
• Linear scale
• Representative fraction scale

Statement scale

This is the scale, stated or written in which for example 1 cm on the map represents half (½) a kilometer. Like wise one centimeter may represent a hundred kilometers on the ground depending on the scale.

TASK 1

What length of line on a map will represent each distance below, at the stated scale:

1. Distance 50 km, Scale: 2cm represents 10km
2. Distance 300km, Scale: 3cm represents 25 meters
3. Distance 200 meters, Scale: 5cm represents 20 meters
4. Distance 210 meters, Scale: 1 km represents 20 meters
5. Distance 150 meters, Scale: 2cm, represents 25meters

TASK 2

What distance is represented by each line, if it is drawn to scale stated?

1. Line 8.5 cm long, if 5cm represents 10 km
2. Line 10.4 cm long, if 1 cm represents 2km
3. Line 6cm long, if 1cm represents 60 meters
4. Line 8cm long, if 25cm represents 5 meters
5. Line 6.5 cm long, if 5cm represents 50 meters

Answers to Task 1

1. 10 cm
2. 36 cm
3. 5cm
4. 10.5cm
5. 12cm

Answers to Task 2

1. 170 km
2. 20.8 km
3. 360 meters
4. 160 meters
5. 650 meters.

Linear scale

It is the scale drawn or shown in a line usually at the bottom of a map. It has two major divisions, primary and secondary. For example

Meter 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Secondary part primary part

The part from”0” going to right hand is the primary part. It is written in full units or whole numbers.

The other part from “0’ going to the left hand side is the secondary part.

It is written in fractions or small units.

The secondary scale of a map is equivalent to one unit of a primary scale.

How to draw a linear scale

If the scale is one centimeter representing one meter, a line would be drawn and divided into sections of one centimeter, but if the scale is 2cm: 5meter the line dawn would be divided into 2cm sections. The values, which each division represents, i.e. 5 meters, is written at each division mark.

The cm division line would be marked 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, i.e. 5 and its multiples and meters would be written above the numbers.

This method of expressing the scale is a linear scale

Example

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 meters

TASK 3

Draw linear scales for each of the following statement scales.

1. 1cm: 1metre
2. 2cm: 1km
3. 2cm: 10 meters
4. 1cm: 2 meters
5. 2cm: 2km

Representative fraction

This is the scale written or stated in either a ratio or fraction form for example

1:50,000 or 1/50,000

The statement of a certain scale is 1cm representing 1 km and this is the scale of proportion between the length of the line on the map and the length on the ground.

The ratio or proportion may be expressed as a fraction whose numerator is one (1)

To obtain this fraction the length on the map is placed above the distance on the ground. i.e. Length on the map

Distance on the ground

= 1cm

1km

but the length and distance must be in the same units, so the fraction becomes :

_1_

1km x 100,000cm

RF = ____1____

100,000cm

Example 2

If we have 2cm representing 1 meter, then:

Length on the map

Distance on the ground

= 2cm

1 meter

So, in the same units:

2cm

1 meter x 100 cm

= 2

100 cm

But the numerator has to be one

Therefore, the Representative Fraction scale is expressed as:

1

50

TASK 4

Work out the representative fraction (RF) of the following scales

1. 1cm represents 5 m
2. 2cm represent 1 km
3. 1cm represents 1km
4. 2cm represent 10 km
5. 2cm represent 50 meters.

Answers to exercise

1. 1

500,000

2. 1

50,000

3. 1

100,000

4. 1

5,000,000

5. 1

25,000,000

When the representative fraction (RF) is given its possible to work out the statement of the scale.

If a map has RF of 1

1000

What is the scale? The representative fraction means that 1 cm represents one thousand centimeters.

But 1000cm = 1000 meters = 10 meters = 10 = 0.01km

100 1000

Therefore the statement scale is 1cm represents 10 meters or 1cm represents 0.01 km.

Example 2

If a map has (RF) of ¹/2000 what is the statement scale?

The representative fraction (RF) means 1cm represents 2000cm,

Now, 1km = 100,000cm. Therefore, on this scale:

1cm represents ____2000___ = 0.02 km

100,000

TASK 5

Find the statemen5t of scale with maps with the following representative fractions

1. 1

50,000

2. 1

100,000

3. 1

25000

4. 1

200,000

5. 1

1250

Answers to Task 5

1. 1cm represents 500 meters, or 1cm represents 0.5km
2. 1cm represents 1000 meters, or 1cm represents 1km
3. 1cm represents 250 meters, or 1 cm represents 0.25 km
4. 1cm represents 2000 meters, or 1cm represents 2km
5. 1cm represents 12.5 meters, or 1cm represents 0.0125km

References

“An Introduction to Map Reading for East Africa” by GH Tansen

“Map Reading for East Africa” by Macmaster.

TEACHERS’ GUIDE

GEOGRAPHY

INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY AND MAPS

SUB-TOPIC: Locating places on a map

This unit deals with the different method one can use to locate places features, areas and points on a map:

• Names of a place
• Outstanding features
• Direction and bearing
• The grid system
• Latitudes and longitudes
• Distance

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MAIN CONTENT AND CONCEPTS TO EMPHASISE:

By the end of the lesson students should be able to:

• Locate places using any of the methods mentioned above.
• Differentiate between the grid system and latitudes and longitudes.

TEACHING/LEARNING MATERIALS:

• Geographical maps
• Globe
• Atlases
• Mathematical set

CONTENT ADVICE:

Objectives

To enable students to locate places on a map using a grid system, latitudes and longitudes, direction and bearings and the name of the place.

Organizational advice and tips

For the teacher;

Should know the definitions of the following.

• Latitudes and longitudes
• Grid system
• Direction and bearing
• Should also know how to apply the different methods of locating places.

Topic notes

Direction and compass bearing

These are commonly used to locate features on maps. The two can be used independently of each other or combined together. When combined together they give a more precise location.

Direction

Is the position of a place in terms of a fixed chosen point, from which all places can be measured with reference to points of the compass.

A compass is used when finding the direction of one place from another. It has four major cardinal points i.e. North, East, West and South.

Most maps have an arrow showing the North (N) direction, which is used as a basis for locating other places or points on the map.

If the direction is not mentioned it would be difficult for one to get to the place in question. For example “3km from Z” does not give the exact location of the place. Therefore to be more specific one has to mention the direction, for example 3 km north of town Z.

The direction can be described or stated using compass points shown below.

Main points of a compass

Bearings

Bearings are angular measurements of one point from another in a clockwise direction from the north. They are expressed in degrees in three figures as shown below.

Latitude and Longitude

Latitudes are imaginary lines that cross or run across the world from east to west. The most important of these is the equator. It divides the world into equal parts, i.e. North and Southern hemisphere. The other two important latitudes are tropic of cancer and tropic of Capricorn. Tropic of Cancer 23 ¹/₂⁰ N

Equator 00

Tropic of Capricorn 23 ½⁰

Longitudes are imaginary lines that run across the world from the North to the South pole. They are also called meridians. The Greenwich meridian is the primary meridian marked 0⁰ . Longitudes are located east and west of Greenwich.

The major longitudes of the world are:

• The Greenwich or prime meridian 0⁰
• The international Date line (IDL) 180⁰ East or West.

Longitudes appear as follows;

Locating places using latitudes and longitudes.

When locating points on the globe always start with the latitude reading then the longitude reading.

For example 0⁰, 40⁰ E is a point in Kenya along the equator while 15⁰ N, 0⁰ is a point in Ghana.

The grid system

Standard maps are generally marked out in squares each representing a square km. These lines are known as grid lines. They are always exactly parallel making perfect squares. The lines that run across the map are called Northings because they are numbered towards the north. Those lines which run down the map from top to bottom are called Eastings because they are numbered towards the east.

NB These lines are parallel to each other and they are 2cm apart

			R
	T x			11 12 13 14 16 15 Northings

20 21 22 23 24 25

Eastings

When using the grid (reference) system Eastings are given first followed by the Northings.

We consider each of these lines first of all as a representation of the corresponding values they are numbered with.

A point on a map cannot be properly described using only 4 digits, so a third digit which represents the 10 divisions between each of the two parallel is usually created, this therefore eventually gives a six grid reference.

For example

The four figure reference for position R on the diagram above is 2315

And the six figure reference would be 238152

The 4 and 6 figures grid references for T are 2112 and 212123

Compass Bearings

The use of bearings is a common method of locating the relationship between two places on a map.

To give the location of a point using bearings, the following procedure is used.

1. Identify the points X and Y on the map

Measuring compass bearings

2. Draw a line using a pencil to join Y and X. If the distance between the two points is very small, extend this line through in two points as shown in (b) above.
3. Through point X from which bearing is required, draw a pencil line pointing to the north and at right angles to it draw another line running east – west see(c)
4. Align the protractor at x and in a clockwise direction and measure the angle from the north to the line-joining x and y see (d).
5. State the bearing in degrees for example the bearing of y from x is approximately 312⁰
6. Use the compass to find the nearest direction, e.g. y is north west of x.

Therefore the bearing of y from x is 312⁰ North West.

NB1: students should work out the exact bearings of particular locations following the procedure outlined above.

NB2 bearings are always written in three figures as indicated in the example above.

Latitudes and Longitudes

These are lines universally agreed upon and are used to create cells on the surface of the earth for specifying localities.

Latitudes

Latitudes are imaginary lines, which run from west to east around the globe.

Characteristics of latitudes:

• All latitudes are parallel to each other
• They are measured in degrees from the center of the earth to the north and south of the equator.
• Latitudes make full circles around the globe whose circumferences reduce as one moves away from the equator to the poles. The equator is the great circle.

NB.

The N and S poles are located at 90⁰

M

F

ajor latitudes of the world

A

B

C

D

E

G

The equator divides the earth into two equal parts, called hemispheres. They are the northern and southern hemisphere. It is the longest latitude and is numbered 0⁰. The most important latitudes are shown on the figure above and they are

1. The Artic circle (66¹/₂⁰ N)
2. The tropic of cancer 23¹/₂⁰ N
3. The equator 0⁰
4. The tropic of Capricorn 23¹/₂ 0 S
5. The Antarctic circle 66¹/₂ ⁰ S
6. The north pole is at 90⁰ N
7. The south pole is 90⁰S

Longitudes

Longitudes are imaginary lines running from the North to the South pole. They are also called meridians. Greenwich is the prime meridian and is marked 0⁰. Longitudes are located east to west of the Greenwich. They run to form half circles from pole to pole. Longitudes are measured in degrees East to West of the prime meridian (Greenwich)

180⁰ E and 180⁰ W are the same line of longitudes opposite the prime meridian. It’s called the International Date Line (IDL).

The major longitudes of the world are:

• The Greenwich or prime meridian is 0
• The International Date Line (IDL) is 180⁰ East or West

International Date Line

This is an imaginary line of longitude on the earth surface numbered 180⁰ East or West of the Greenwich. It separates the two consecutive calendar days for the entire world , that is as one moves further East from IDL, one is behind by one day while one going to the west of IDL is ahead by one day.

Longitude and time

The earth completes a single rotation of 360⁰. It therefore takes 1 hour to go through 15⁰ and 4 minutes to run trough 1⁰ of longitude. As the rotation takes the west to East direction, moving in the Eastern direction one loses time at the same rate.

STUDENT ACTIVITY

Scales

1. Using the scale mentioned in the question. What would be the length of the lines drawn to represent the distance below?

1. Distance 50km, scale 2cm represents 10 km.
2. Distance 300km, scale 3cm represents 25 meters
3. Distance 200 meters, scale 5cm represents 20 meters.
4. Distance 210 meters, scale 1km represents 20 meters.
5. Distance 150 meters, scale 2cm represents 25 meters

2. What distance does each line represent, if its drawn to the scale stated?

1. Line 8.5cm long, if 5cm represents 10 k
2. Line 10.4cm long, if 1cm represents 2km
3. Line 6cm long, if 1cm represents 60 meters.
4. Line 8cm long, if 25cm represents 5 meters.
5. Line 6.5cm long, if 5cm represents 50 meters.

3. Draw a linear scale using the following statement scales:

1. 1cm : 1 meter
2. 2cm : 1km
3. 2cm : 10 meters
4. 1cm : 2 meters
5. 2cm : 2km

4. Work out the Representative Fraction (R.F) of the following scales:

1. 1cm represents 5m
2. 2cm represents 1 km
3. 1cm represents 1km
4. 2cm represents 10km
5. 2cm represents 50m

5. Find the statement of scale with maps with the following Representative Fractions

1. 1:50,000
2. 1:100,000
3. 1:25,000
4. 1:200,000
5. 1:1,250

Answers

1. a) 10cm, b) 36cm, c) 5cm, d) 10.5cm, e) 12cm

2. a) 170 km, b) 20.8km, c) 360 meters, d) 160 meters, e) 650 meters

4. a) 1:500,000 b) 1:50,000 c) 1:100,000, d) 1:5000,000 e) 1:25,000,000

5.

1. 1cm represents 500 meters or 1cm represents 0.5km.
2. 1cm represents 1000 meters or 1cm represents 1km
3. 1cm represents 250 meters or 1cm represents 0.25 km.
4. 1cm represents 2000 meters or 1 cm represents 2km.
5. 1cm represents 12.5 meters or 1cm represents 0.0125 km

Reference

Tanser G.H (1973). An Introduction to map reading for East Africa. London: Evan Brothers UK

LATITUDES AND LONGITUDES

Using the figure above, find the positions of places marked:

• V - Q
• S - P
• T - F
• R - E
• H - N
• K - C

Answers

• V 45⁰S, 0⁰
• S 70⁰ N, 30⁰E
• T 30⁰S, 60⁰ E
• R 15⁰N, 45⁰W
• H 45⁰N, 30⁰W
• K 60⁰S, 45⁰W
• Q 15⁰S, 60⁰W
• P 15⁰N, 15⁰ E
• F 75⁰S, 75⁰W
• E 45⁰N, 75⁰E
• N 75⁰N, 75⁰W
• C 30⁰N, 0⁰