Maps

Spatial map types and their uses

Spatial maps visualise geographic data and spatial relationships.

If you have a spatial relationship you would like to represent, there is a map for that.

  • Choropleth Maps: best for displaying regional data like density or distribution

  • Heat Maps: best for identifying clusters and concentration patterns

  • Topographic Maps: Best for: elevation (contour lines) terrain and navigation

  • Dot Density Maps: Best for showing distribution patterns

  • Isopleth/Isoline Maps: Best for connecting points of equal value (temperature, noise etc.)

  • Flow Maps: Best for show movement patterns between locations( migration, trade)

  • 3D Maps: Best for adding height dimension to geographic data( terrain and complex spatial relationships

  • Example uses: Urban planning, geological studies, gaming environments

  • Digital Interactive Maps: Bets for complex data exploration and analysis (GIS, navigation apps)

SACE 2023

  1. Identify two sources of water pollution that could be found upstream of GR 739945. (2)

  2. Explain how the physical landscape has influenced the distribution of human settlement in the area shown on the topographic map. Provide specific map evidence using area references and/or compass directions. (3)

  3. Identify the scale closest to that used in the satellite image.

    Select your answer from the list below. (1)

    a. 1:13 00

    b. 1:25 000

    c. 1:50 000

    d. 1:100 000

  4. For a council considering land use in the area, suggest two advantages of using the satellite image compared to using the topographic map. (2)

  5. Identify the feature marked T on the satellite image. (1)

  6. Southern Auckland is experiencing increasing levels of housing development.

    Using only evidence from the topographic map, analyse similarities and differences in the suitability for this type of development of the locations chosen in: (5)

    Box A (area references 7397, 7398, 7497, 7498, and 7598)

    Box B (area references 7192 and 7292).

SACE 2022

Refer to the Topographic map Isle of Anglesey, scale 1:50000, when answering questions 1-2.

  1. Refer to the points W1 (GR 377947) and W2 (GR 463935)

    The total distance covered by the National Trail between W1 and W2 is closest to which of the following distances?

    10km. 40km. 80km. 120km.

  2. Which two features would you encounter while walking along the National Trail between W1 and W2? (2)

    Picnic site, windmill, National Trust site, Garden, Mixed wood.

  3. The photo was taken from a point off the north-east coast of the Isle of Anglesey at a bearing of 205 degrees.

    At which of the following points was the photographer located (1)

    GR 447947

    GR 482940

    GR 507908

    GR 496891

    Refer to the following locations P (GR 395930) , Q (GR447898) and R (GR367877) on the topographic map

  4. The letters P, Q and R are located near some of the wind farms on the Isle of Anglesey

    Suggest one physical factor that would make these locations suitable for wind farms. (1)

    Refer to the topographic map

  5. The T junction near the centre of the town of Llangefni (GR462757) is closest to which of the following latitudes? (1)

    53 13' N

    53 15' N

    53 17' N

    53 19' N

  6. A local railway activist group is campaigning to reopen the disused railway route through the town of Llangefni. Identify a suitable location for a railway for the town. Justify your choice of location, providing advantages, disadvantages and at least one limitation (4)

  7. The scale of the part of the Isle of Anglesey map is 1:50 000

    Which of the following would be a more appropriate for assessing the suitability of a site for a railway station? (1)

  8. Explain your choice (1)

  9. Evaluate the connectivity of the Isle of Anglesey a sa location for an industry or a business (4)