Sketch maps and cross sections
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use sketch maps and cross sections to understand what a landscape is like.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
graph paper; paper strips
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does it mean if something is subjective?
Q2.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 ...
Q4.A thin blue line running over contour lines that are close together would indicate ...
Q5.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 ...
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is true in relation to sketch maps?
Q2.A cross section is a graph that shows the landscape as if ...
Q3.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?
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Sketch maps and cross sections, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Sketch maps and cross sections, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 geography lessons from the Geographical skills unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.