New
New
Using OS maps to analyse physical features
I can use contour lines to identify and describe physical features on a map.
Lesson 3 of 11
New
New
- Year 10
- Edexcel B
Using OS maps to analyse physical features
I can use contour lines to identify and describe physical features on a map.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The height of the land can be shown on a map using spot heights and contour lines.
- The shape of the land can be shown on a map by examining how contour lines relate to each other.
- Distinctive patterns of contour lines show particular physical features on a map.
Keywords
Relief - the shape of the land
Contour lines - lines on a map that join points of the same height
Spot height - a point marked on a map showing a particular height
Common misconception
All contour lines have their height marked on them.
Most contour lines will show their height, but in very steep areas, where contours are close together, some will be omitted as there is a lack of space. The height of these lines can be calculated by looking at the height of the surrounding lines.
A large potato cut in half length ways will give students a 'hill' on which they can mark contours at 1cm intervals. The more misshaped the potato, the more variation there will be in the gradient and the contour line patterns produced.
Teacher tip
Equipment
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.Moving clockwise around a compass, which secondary inter cardinal point comes next in this sequence? NNE, ENE, ESE, .
Moving clockwise around a compass, which secondary inter cardinal point comes next in this sequence? NNE, ENE, ESE, .
Q2.A bearing is a way of measuring …
A bearing is a way of measuring …
distance
scale
relief
Q3.In a grid reference, the first value is the …
In a grid reference, the first value is the …
westing
northing
southing
Q4.A map that looks ‘zoomed-in’ and covers a small area is described as ...
A map that looks ‘zoomed-in’ and covers a small area is described as ...
small scaled
high scaled
low scaled
Q5.Elevation is measured in …
Elevation is measured in …
degrees
ratios
latitudes
Q6.What is the gradient of the land?
What is the gradient of the land?
the shape of the land
the height of the land
the quality of the land
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Why might some contour lines not be marked with values?
Why might some contour lines not be marked with values?
To show they are on flat land.
To show the land is below sea level.
To show the land is going downhill.
Q2.What is a spot height?
What is a spot height?
a concrete or stone pillar in the landscape
an orange or brown line on a map
a blue triangle on a map
Q3.Contour lines that are placed close together show the landscape is at that point.
Contour lines that are placed close together show the landscape is at that point.
Q4.Match the descriptions to the correct features.
Match the descriptions to the correct features.
