Mapwork techniques
Scale, contours and cross sections
Scale
Understanding scale, contours and cross sections enables you to determine the size and the
physical shape of an area.
The map above has a scale of 1:50 000. This means that a distance of 1 cm on the map
represents a real distance of 50 000 cm/ 0,5 km on the ground.
Contours
Maps can show the height of places with contours. Contours are the lines drawn on a map
joining places of the same height above sea level. On some maps, the area between selected
contours may be shaded with distinct colours.
Cross sections
A cross section is the side view of a landscape between two points.
Direction – magnetic north, true north and magnetic
declination
Compass points
Direction can be given using the points of a compass.
Scale, contours and cross sections
Scale
Understanding scale, contours and cross sections enables you to determine the size and the
physical shape of an area.
The map above has a scale of 1:50 000. This means that a distance of 1 cm on the map
represents a real distance of 50 000 cm/ 0,5 km on the ground.
Contours
Maps can show the height of places with contours. Contours are the lines drawn on a map
joining places of the same height above sea level. On some maps, the area between selected
contours may be shaded with distinct colours.
Cross sections
A cross section is the side view of a landscape between two points.
Direction – magnetic north, true north and magnetic
declination
Compass points
Direction can be given using the points of a compass.
