New
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Sketch maps and cross sections
I can use sketch maps and cross sections to understand what a landscape is like.
Lesson 5 of 11
New
New
- Year 10
- Edexcel B
Sketch maps and cross sections
I can use sketch maps and cross sections to understand what a landscape is like.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A sketch map is often used to show information one might not normally find on a map.
- A cross section shows what the landscape would look like if we were to slice through it vertically.
- Drawing a cross section can help geographers understand what a landscape looks like.
Keywords
Label - a written description of something in an image or on a map
Annotation - a detailed description or explanation of something one might not be able to see in an image or on a map
Cross section - an imaginary vertical slice through a landscape
Common misconception
A sketch map needs to be an artistic representation of a place.
A sketch map looks like a map as it has a plan orientation but it is not a work of art. It uses simple, clean lines to communicate the main features of a map.
If students wish to practise creating cross sections from a map, this is best done using maps of rural areas where there is limited development. Contour lines on maps of urban areas tend to be difficult to read as they also contain a lot of other symbols.
Teacher tip
Equipment
graph paper; paper strips
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does it mean if something is subjective?
What does it mean if something is subjective?
It is true.
It is always inaccurate.
It tends to be based on factual evidence.
Q2.All OS maps are aligned so the top of the map represents a certain compass direction. Which direction is this?
All OS maps are aligned so the top of the map represents a certain compass direction. Which direction is this?
Q3.To be drawn to scale means distances on a map ...
To be drawn to scale means distances on a map ...
are shorter than they are in real life.
are the same as those in real life.
are exactly 1% the size of those in real life.
Q4.A thin blue line running over contour lines that are close together would indicate ...
A thin blue line running over contour lines that are close together would indicate ...
a motorway in a rural area.
a footpath at the bottom of a valley.
a national park boundary in the mountains.
Q5.A line is a line on a map that shows land of equal elevation.
A line is a line on a map that shows land of equal elevation.
Q6.A valley on a map is shown by a series of V-shaped contours with ...
A valley on a map is shown by a series of V-shaped contours with ...
the largest V having the lowest elevation value.
the Vs aligned so they are pointing north.
the Vs aligned so they are pointing south.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is true in relation to sketch maps?
Which of the following is true in relation to sketch maps?
They are always drawn to scale.
They always include all the features of a location.
They are always aligned to grid north.
Q2.A cross section is a graph that shows the landscape as if ...
A cross section is a graph that shows the landscape as if ...
it did not have any buildings or trees.
it was drawn using sharp angles.
it was drawn to scale.
Q3.Place the following steps in the right order for drawing a cross section.
Place the following steps in the right order for drawing a cross section.
Q4.Why might a sketch map be considered more subjective than an OS map?
Why might a sketch map be considered more subjective than an OS map?
It is drawn from a photograph.
It is drawn at a smaller scale.
It uses the same symbols as an OS map.
