Scale and distance on OS maps
I can use maps at different scales to investigate an area and measure distances.
Scale and distance on OS maps
I can use maps at different scales to investigate an area and measure distances.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The scale of a map explains how large an area shown on the map is in real life.
- Small-scale maps show a large area but have little detail, e.g. a world map.
- Large-scale maps show a smaller area in more detail, e.g. a town or local area.
- A scale bar shows how distances between areas in real life compare with the distances shown on a map.
Keywords
Scale - shows what size the area that is represented in the map really is
Key - explains what the different symbols, marks and colours used on the map mean
Symbol - a mark, shape or abbreviation that represents a landmark, feature or area of a map, diagram or drawing
Common misconception
OS maps all use the same scale.
OS maps have different scales.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the scale on a map show?
Q2.The smaller the scale of the map, the the area is in real life.
Q3.What does a map scale of 1:50 000 mean?
Q4.Which unit is most commonly used for measuring long distances on maps?
Q5.There are centimetres in 1 kilometre.
Q6.On an OS map, what compass direction is always at the top of the map?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Why is accuracy important when measuring distance on a map?
Q2.What does a map scale of 1:100 000 mean?
Q3.Match the key terms with their definitions.
how large an area shown on the map is in real life
maps show a large area but have little detail, e.g. a world map
maps show a smaller area in more detail, e.g. a town or local area
how real distances between areas compare with distances on the map