Cartographic skills key terms

latitude

The angular distance of a place north or south of the Earth's equator, measured in degrees.

longitude

In Cartographic skills, longitude means the angular distance of a place east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees. This matters in Cartographic skills because it supports the learning objective to use and understand latitude and longitude coordinates. Use longitude only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

distributions

In Cartographic skills, distributions means the arrangement or spread of features across a given area on a map. This matters in Cartographic skills because it supports the learning objective to recognise and describe distributions and patterns of human and physical features on maps. Use distributions only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

patterns

In Cartographic skills, patterns means the recurring characteristics or trends observed in the distribution of features on a map. This matters in Cartographic skills because it supports the learning objective to recognise and describe distributions and patterns of human and physical features on maps. Use patterns only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

significant landscape features

In Cartographic skills, significant landscape features means important physical and human characteristics observable on maps. This matters in Cartographic skills because it supports the learning objective to identify and describe significant physical and human landscape features on maps at global and other scales. Use significant landscape features only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

map scale

In Cartographic skills, map scale means the ratio of a distance on the map to the corresponding distance on the ground. This matters in Cartographic skills because it supports the learning objective to identify and describe significant physical and human landscape features on maps at global and other scales. Use map scale only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

interrelationship

The connection and interaction between physical and human factors as represented on maps.

map analysis

The process of examining maps to understand the relationships and patterns of features depicted.

thematic map

A type of map that emphasizes specific themes or subjects, such as population density or climate.

association

In Cartographic skills, association means a relationship or correlation between observed patterns on thematic maps. This matters in Cartographic skills because it supports the learning objective to establish associations between observed patterns on thematic maps. Use association only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

OS map

A detailed map produced by Ordnance Survey, showing physical and human features at various scales.

scale

The ratio of distance on a map to the corresponding distance on the ground, indicating the level of detail.

four-figure grid reference

A method of identifying a specific location on a map using a combination of two numbers representing eastings and northings.

six-figure grid reference

A more precise method of locating a point on a map, providing a specific location by dividing each of the four-figure grid sections into tenths.

scale

In Cartographic skills, scale means the ratio of a distance on a map to the corresponding distance on the ground. This matters in Cartographic skills because it supports the learning objective to use scale, distance and direction, including straight and curved line distances. Use scale only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

direction

In Cartographic skills, direction means the course along which something moves or points, often indicated by compass points. This matters in Cartographic skills because it supports the learning objective to use scale, distance and direction, including straight and curved line distances. Use direction only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

gradient

In Cartographic skills, gradient means the steepness or incline of a slope, often represented on maps through contour lines. This matters in Cartographic skills because it supports the learning objective to use and understand gradient, contour and spot height. Use gradient only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

contour

A line on a map that connects points of equal elevation, indicating the shape of the terrain.

landscape features

Natural or human-made elements visible on a map, such as mountains, rivers, buildings, and roads.

map evidence

Information derived from maps that helps to identify and describe the characteristics of various landscape features.

relief features

Natural landforms such as mountains, valleys, and hills that are represented on maps.

cross-sectional drawing

A diagram that shows a vertical slice through the landscape, illustrating the arrangement of relief features.

landscape patterns

The arrangement and organization of physical and human features observed on maps.

map evidence

Information derived from maps that supports the analysis of geographical features and patterns.

cross section

A diagram or representation showing a vertical slice through a landscape, illustrating the arrangement of physical and human features.

transect

A straight line or path along which observations are made or measurements taken to analyze the distribution of physical and human features.

large-scale map

A map that shows a small area in great detail, often used to represent physical features such as coastal, fluvial, and glacial landscapes.

physical features

Natural characteristics of the landscape, including landforms, bodies of water, and vegetation, depicted on maps.

map evidence

Information derived from maps that can indicate human activities or features in a geographical area.

tourism inference

The process of deducing human activities related to tourism based on the analysis of map evidence.