Fig. 1 is a simplified extract from a 1:25 000 topographic map used by a hiking group planning a water-quality study. Grid lines are 1 km apart. The group w...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 is a simplified extract from a 1:25 000 topographic map used by a hiking group planning a water-quality study. Grid lines are 1 km apart. The group will walk from the car park at A to the river sampling point at B. Contours show height in metres, and the woodland is shown by tree symbols. The group wants to avoid steep slopes and keep equipment away from possible river flooding. The map skills used in this study are also useful when planning routes to renewable energy sites in rural areas.
(a) Identify the six-figure grid reference of B. [2]
(b) Identify the compass direction of B from A. [1]
(c) Identify the straight-line distance from A to B, in km. Show your working. [3]
(d) Identify the difference in height between the 80 m and 140 m contours. [2]
(e) Identify two map-based reasons why the group should not place a fieldwork base beside B, and identify one advantage of using A instead. [4]
(f) Identify one limitation of using this map figure without visiting the site. [2]
Answer Details
(a) B is at 135235. Read the easting first, then the northing: it is halfway between 13 and 14, giving 13.5, and halfway between 23 and 24, giving 23.5. [2: 13.5 easting [1], 23.5 northing [1]]
(b) B is north-east (NE) of A: it is both to the right (east) and above (north) of A. [1]
(c) The grid squares are 1 km. A to B is approximately 2 km east and 2 km north. Using Pythagoras:
\[\text{distance}=\sqrt{2^2+2^2}=\sqrt{8}=2.83\text{ km}\]
So the straight-line distance is approximately 2.8 km. [3: correct Pythagoras method [1]; approximately 2.8 km [2]]
(d) \(140\text{ m}-80\text{ m}=60\text{ m}\). The height difference is 60 m. [2]
(e) B is unsuitable for a base because it is close to the river, so flooding is a risk, and the approach is near closely spaced contours, indicating a steep slope. A possible further reason is exposed location or limited mapped access. A is preferable because the car park gives established vehicle access for people and equipment. [4]
(f) A map alone may be out of date and cannot show current water level, ground conditions, access restrictions or temporary hazards. Site observation is needed to check these conditions. [2]
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