Map Reading and Interpretation

18 Grade 8 Social Studies questions on Map Reading and Interpretation, with worked marking schemes. 18 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   On a topographical map, a permanent river, a railway line and a main road are usually shown using:

   A. Photographs

   B. Contour lines only

   C. Conventional symbols and signs

   D. Written paragraphs

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   On a topographical map, contour lines drawn very close together indicate what kind of slope?

   A. A gentle slope

   B. A steep slope

   C. A flat plain

   D. A valley floor

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   3 marks

   State three uses of a scale on a map.

   (3 marks)

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4. Question 4

   5 marks

   Study the following information about a topographical map and answer the questions.

   (a) State the meaning of the term 'scale' as used in map reading. (2 marks)

   (b) On a map drawn to a scale of 1:50,000, the distance between a school and a market measures 6 centimetres. Calculate the actual ground distance in kilometres. (3 marks)

   (5 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Scale is the ratio (relationship) between a distance measured on the map and the corresponding actual distance on the ground. (b) Calculation: 1 cm on the map = 50,000 cm on the ground. 6 cm represents 6 x 50,000 = 300,000 cm. Converting to kilometres: 300,000 cm / 100,000 = 3 km. The actual ground distance = 3 kilometres.

5. Question 5

   6 marks

   Explain three ways a learner can identify physical features such as hills and valleys when interpreting a topographical map.

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Up to 2 marks each (max 6): study contour lines/patterns and their spacing to read slope and shape; read spot heights/trigonometrical stations to know altitude; concentric circular contours show a hill; V-shaped contours pointing uphill (upstream) indicate a valley/river course; use conventional symbols and the key/legend.

6. Question 6

   1 mark

   If a map has a scale of 1:50,000, then 2 centimetres measured on the map represents an actual ground distance of:

   A. 1 kilometre

   B. 50 metres

   C. 10 kilometres

   D. 100 metres

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   While studying a map, Otieno needs to know what each colour and symbol on the map represents. He should refer to the:

   A. Key (legend)

   B. Title

   C. Margin

   D. Frame

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   3 marks

   On a map, the distance between two trading centres measures 8 cm. The map scale is 1:50,000. Calculate the actual ground distance in kilometres, showing your working.

   (3 marks)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   On a topographical map, contour lines that are very close together indicate land that is:

   A. Flat and low-lying

   B. Gently sloping

   C. Steeply sloping

   D. Below sea level

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    5 marks

    Study the following information about a topographical map.

    (a) Define the term 'scale' as used in map reading.

    (b) A map has a scale of 1:50,000. The distance between two towns on the map measures 8 cm. Calculate the actual ground distance between the two towns in kilometres.

    (c) Name two methods used to show relief on a topographical map.

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Scale is the ratio of a distance on the map to the corresponding actual distance on the ground. (b) Actual distance = map distance x scale = 8 cm x 50,000 = 400,000 cm. Converting to kilometres: 400,000 cm / 100,000 = 4 km. The actual ground distance is 4 kilometres. (c) Methods of showing relief: contours, spot heights, trigonometrical (trig) stations, hachures, shading/layer tinting, bench marks. (Any two)

11. Question 11

    3 marks

    A map extract shows a settlement that has grown along both sides of a main road.

    (a) Name this type of settlement pattern.

    (b) Give two factors from the map that may have influenced this settlement.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) 1 mark: linear/ribbon settlement. (b) 2 marks: presence of a road/transport route; availability of water/river nearby; flat land; trading centre/market; gentle gradient.

12. Question 12

    1 mark

    A settlement where houses are scattered far apart over an area is described as:

    A. Linear settlement

    B. Planned settlement

    C. Nucleated settlement

    D. Dispersed settlement

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    1 mark

    On a topographical map, contour lines drawn very close together represent ground that is:

    A. Completely flat

    B. Steep

    C. Below sea level

    D. Gently sloping

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    1 mark

    If a map has a scale of 1:50,000, what actual ground distance does 1 centimetre on the map represent?

    A. 5 kilometres

    B. 50 kilometres

    C. 0.5 kilometres

    D. 50 metres

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    1 mark

    If a map has a scale of 1:50,000, a distance of 2 centimetres on the map represents what actual ground distance?

    A. 500 metres

    B. 1 kilometre

    C. 5 kilometres

    D. 50 kilometres

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    1 mark

    A learner uses a six-figure grid reference to locate a school on a map. A six-figure grid reference is mainly used to give the:

    A. Type of vegetation

    B. Height of a hill in metres

    C. Precise position of a point

    D. Direction of the wind

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    1 mark

    On most maps the direction at the top of the map points towards the:

    A. South

    B. East

    C. West

    D. North

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    A bearing measures direction in degrees, measured clockwise from the north. A point lying directly east of an observer has a bearing of:

    A. 045 degrees

    B. 180 degrees

    C. 360 degrees

    D. 090 degrees

    (1 mark)

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