Geographical skills · Both
Map Skills
Map skills are tested throughout GCSE Geography. Accuracy with grid references and scale saves easy marks.
Grid references
• **4-figure** – identifies a grid square (eastings then northings)
• **6-figure** – more precise point within the square
Always go **along the corridor, then up the stairs** (eastings → northings).
Scale and distance
Use the scale line or ratio (e.g. 1:25 000).
Measure carefully on the map, convert to real distance.
Straight-line vs winding route – measure what the question asks.
Relief
Contour lines: close together = steep; far apart = gentle.
Spot heights and layer colouring also show height.
Worked example
Contours are tightly packed on one side of a hill. What does that mean?
Solution: That slope is **steep**. Wider spacing on the other side means a gentler slope.
Practice questions
1. Order of reading a grid reference?
2. What do closely spaced contours show?