New
New
Using atlases
I can read a variety of different styles of atlas maps.
Lesson 1 of 11
New
New
- Year 10
- Edexcel B
Using atlases
I can read a variety of different styles of atlas maps.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Atlases present the world at the smallest scale, showing the least detail but larger patterns and relationships.
- Atlases use latitude and longitude lines to locate particular places.
- There are many types of atlas map that are used to show specific information.
Keywords
Latitude - an imaginary line running east to west around the Earth's surface that is used to show how far north or south a place is
Longitude - an imaginary line running north to south across the Earth's surface that is used to show how far east or west a place is
Thematic map - a map that shows a particular geographical phenomenon such as population density or air temperature
Common misconception
Atlases specialise in large scale maps.
A large scale map means the map shows a large amount of detail but covers a small area. Therefore, atlases tend to use small scale maps that show a large area of land in limited detail.
For an immersive experiences, give pairs of students a set of questions, the answers of which can only be found in an atlas, such as the GDP of a particular country or the nearest port to a specific city. Students can then set ever harder questions for their peers.
Teacher tip
Equipment
A standard school atlas
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.Cartography is the study and practice of …
Cartography is the study and practice of …
making and using geographical graphs
using statistics to learn more about places
finding different rocks and soils
Q2.The scale of a map refers to …
The scale of a map refers to …
how accurately it has been drawn
the size of a grid square
the distance in real life between one edge of the map to the other
Q3.The following statements refer to the index of a book, such as an atlas. Which are true statements?
The following statements refer to the index of a book, such as an atlas. Which are true statements?
The features are written in page number order.
It only contains the page titles.
Q4.As the Earth is a sphere, it is difficult to draw an accurate, flat map of the world. The graphical transformation of the 3D world onto a 2D map is known as a map ...
As the Earth is a sphere, it is difficult to draw an accurate, flat map of the world. The graphical transformation of the 3D world onto a 2D map is known as a map ...
Q5.Which of the following would you expect to find in an atlas?
Which of the following would you expect to find in an atlas?
Maps of streets in towns and cities
Maps of footpaths through woodland
Q6.A town’s situation refers to its …
A town’s situation refers to its …
culture, identity and history.
economic strength and power.
past, present and future land use.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.A small scale map …
A small scale map …
is zoomed in.
covers a small area of the Earth's surface.
Q2.The latitudinal and longitudinal position of a place is written down in a specific way. Which of the following is not true?
The latitudinal and longitudinal position of a place is written down in a specific way. Which of the following is not true?
The symbol ˚ is used to show degrees.
More accurate descriptions use degrees and minutes.
The last part of a latitude or longitude is a compass direction.
Q3.The Tropic of Cancer lies 23.4˚ of the Equator.
The Tropic of Cancer lies 23.4˚ of the Equator.
Q4.What type of map displays data on a particular topic such as population density or average rainfall?
What type of map displays data on a particular topic such as population density or average rainfall?
Physical
Geological
Political
