Mapwork and map symbols

Georaphy

Grade 5

Mapwork

Module 1

Maps and map symbols

What is a symbol?

Road signs are also pictures of objects. We call them SYMBOLS. A map is actually also a picture that you see far below you if you look at the ground from high up in the air.

Over many years people who draw maps have designed symbols for each separate object. These symbols are recognised by everybody and therefore have the same meaning for everybody, otherwise nobody will understand what is drawn on a map.

These recognised symbols are pictured at the bottom of a map and are called the KEY to that map.

Activity 1:

To identify the position of places on a map

[LO 1.4]

Suppose you are at Tom’s school. In what direction does the following lie?

• the hill
• the municipal sports fields
• the sports stadium
• the clubhouse Your teacher will now give you a map of your own town with your school at the centre, like in TOM’s town plan. Examples of such town plans can usually be obtained from the town’s municipality, tourist bureau or petrol stations.

Activity 2:

To draw a simple sketch plan

[LO 1.4]

Use the knowledge you have acquired so far and draw a simple sketch plan of how you must walk/ride from school to your friend’s house.

Remember:

• use map symbols with a distinct key;
• indicate street names where familiar;
• your plan must have a prominent caption;

indicate the route in red.

Assessment

LO 1

GEOGRAPHICAL ENQUIRY

The learner will be able to use enquiry skills to investigate geographical and environmental concepts and processes.

We know this when the learner:

• with guidance, selects and uses sources of useful geographical information (including graphs, maps and fieldwork outside the classroom) [finds sources];

• categorises information [works with sources];
• draws sketch maps and/or plans from field observation and measurements [works with sources];
• uses an index to find places on global atlas maps [works with sources];

• demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the issue through projects, discussion, debate and charts [communicates the answer].

Memorandum

Activity 1

• W/SW
• S
• SO
• N