Cartographic Skills

A checklist titled 'Map Skills Check List' with items such as 16-point compass, co-ordinates (Lat & Long), 4-figure grid references, 6-figure grid references, bearings, scale and measuring distance, estimating area, relief, cross sections, key & symbols, and map types. A black check mark is next to the title.

16 Point Compass

A compass rose showing directions North, South, East, West, and intermediate directions with arrow markers in red, blue, and yellow.

How to Read Directions

  • Always pay attention to the starting point and the destination in the question.

  • Read prepositions carefully:

    • “From” tells you where you are starting.

    • “To” tells you where you are going.

  • Imagine (or lightly draw) a line from the starting place to the destination.

  • Match this line to the nearest compass point on the 16-point compass.

Example:

  • If the question says “What is the direction from the school to the bridge?” → begin at the school, draw a line to the bridge, then state the compass direction (e.g. SE).

Exam Hint: If you’re not confident, give the nearest main 8-point compass direction (e.g. NE instead of ENE). You’ll usually still gain credit, but aim for 16-point precision when possible for top marks.

Coordinates - Latitude and Longitude

What are Coordinates?

Coordinates are a way of giving the exact position of any place on Earth.

They are written as two numbers:

  • Latitude (first, north/south)

  • Longitude (second, east/west).

  • Example: (51°N, 0°W) is London.

A world map centered on the Americas showing latitude lines, the equator, and the prime meridian, with North and South America clearly visible.

Latitude

Lines of latitude run horizontally around the Earth.

  • They measure the distance north or south of the Equator (0°).

  • The Equator splits the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere.

  • Important latitudes:

    • Equator (0°)

    • Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N)

    • Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S)

    • Arctic Circle (66.5°N)

    • Antarctic Circle (66.5°S)

How They Work Together

A latitude and longitude pair pinpoints one exact spot on the globe.

Think of it like playing Battleships:

  • Latitude tells you the row (north/south).

  • Longitude tells you the column (east/we

A globe showing the lines of longitude and the Prime Meridian at zero longitude. The map highlights the division of the world into eastern and western hemispheres with color-coded lines.

Longitude

Lines of longitude run vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole.

  • They measure the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian (0°), which runs through Greenwich, London.

  • Longitude values go up to 180° East and 180° West.

A world map in oval projection showing continents in dark gray and oceans in light gray. Red dashed lines mark the Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, and Equator. Blue dashed lines mark the Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle. Red arrows on the right indicate north and south directions, with labels.

Test yourself

  • A world map with continents labeled and the Prime Meridian passing through Europe and Africa. There are red circles with white letters marking specific locations, including points in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica.

    Try to work out the coordinates for the letters

    Click the arrows to reveal the answers

  • A world map with latitude and longitude lines and labels for the Prime Meridian and Equator. It highlights specific geographic points with red labels and coordinates, including points in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica.

    How did you do?

    Keep trying until you can get all of them correct.

Grid References

A coordinate plane with a grid labeled 01 to 05 on both axes. A logo with a globe and the letter "G" is near the top right. A red vertical arrow labeled "C" points upward, and a red horizontal arrow labeled "B" points right from the bottom left.

The A B C of finding 4 figure grid references

Imagine you are trying to tell someone where to find the “G” on the grid. Follow the steps below to find out how you could give them 4 numbers that would lead them right to it!

A - You must always find the bottom left corner of the grid square that contains the feature you are looking for.

B - Then you need to identify the vertical line that meets the bottom left corner of the grid square. This gives you your first 2 digits. in this case.

0 3 _ _

C - Finally you need to identify the horizontal line that also meets the bottom left corner of the grid square. This gives you your final 2 digits. In this case they would be.

_ _ 0 4

Combine the 4 digits an you have a 4 figure grid reference.

G = 0304

Diagram of a volleyball court with spiking and blocking movements, showing players labeled A, B, and C in position near the net, grid overlay, and crosshairs at the court's center.

The A B C of finding 6 figure grid references

Imagine you are trying to tell someone where to find the “G” on the grid. Well, it’s smaller this time, if you gave somebody the grid reference 0202 they could easily miss it! Follow the steps below to find out how you could give them 6 numbers that would lead them right to it!

A - Start by finding the 4 figure grid reference for the bottom left corner of the grid square, this time leave space for another number after each set of numbers.

0 2 _ 0 2 _

B - Next you need to imagine a grid within the big square, this should be a 10x10 grid. You then need to estimate how many small vertical lines across the “G” is. In this case the middle of the “G” is half way so it would be 5 small lines across. The vertical red line indicates this. This means your 3rd digit would be 5!

0 2 5 0 2 _

C - Finally you need to identify the small imaginary horizontal line that also passes through the middle of the “G”. In this case it is also half way across the large square so it would be approximately 5. This is also indicated by the horizontal red line. You them simply put your final digit on the end of your grid reference.

0 2 5 0 2 5

In a test setting you are allowed +/- 1 on the 3rd and 4th digit so all of the below would also be accepted.

0 2 6 0 2 5 0 2 6 0 2 6 0 2 5 0 2 6 0 2 5 0 2 4 0 2 4 0 2 4 0 2 6 0 2 4 etc…

Bearings

What is a Bearing?

  • A bearing is a way of describing direction using angles.

  • Bearings are always measured clockwise from North.

  • They are written as a three-figure number (e.g. 045°, 120°, 270°).

How to Work Out a Bearing

Look at the example to the right. This shows the bearing from A to B.

  1. Start at the first location in the question (A).

  2. Draw a line straight up to show north.

  3. Draw a line to the destination point (B).

  4. Measure the angle clockwise from north to this line.

  5. Write the answer as a three-figure bearing (e.g. 045°, not just 45°).

Exam Tips

  • Always use a protractor for accuracy.

  • Double-check you measured clockwise from north (not anticlockwise).

  • Don’t forget the leading zero (e.g. 045° not 45°).

A protractor with marked angles, showing a black line from point A to point B, measuring approximately 45 degrees from the North (red line) to the black line.

Test yourself

  • A circular compass with degrees marked around the edge, a red needle pointing north, and several labeled points around the compass including F, G, H, E, D, C, and B in black circles with red lettering.

    Try to work out the bearings from A to the other letters

    Click the arrows for help and the answers

  • A compass rose with a central point labeled 'A,' multiple black lines radiating outward, each connecting to points labeled B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and 'N' at the top. The lines are marked with degrees from 0 to 360, and the outer circle has degree markings as well.

    These lines should help

    Click again for the answers

  • A circular diagram with a central point labeled 'A' connecting to points labeled B, C, D, E, F, G, and H, each with an associated angle in degrees. The diagram includes a compass with North marked at the top, and angles connecting points are noted with measurements like 45°, 109°, 150°, 208°, 250°, 294°, and 339°.

    Check your answers

    How did you do?

Scale and Measuring Distance

What is Scale?

Scale tells you how distances on a map relate to real distances on the ground.

It shows the ratio between map distance and actual distance.

Scales may be shown in three ways:

  1. Ratio / Representative Fraction (RF): e.g. 1:50,000 (1 cm on the map = 50,000 cm = 0.5 km in real life).

  2. Statement: e.g. “1 cm = 500 m”.

  3. Line scale (bar scale): a graphic scale printed on the map.

Measuring Straight-Line Distances

  1. Place a ruler between the two points.

  2. Measure the distance in cm or mm.

  3. Multiply by the scale to convert into the real ground distance.

Example:

  • Between point A and B, on a 1:50,000 map, 5 cm = 5 × 0.5 km = 2.5 km in reality.

Measuring Curved Distances (e.g. roads, rivers)

  1. Use a piece of string or the edge of paper to trace the curve.

  2. Straighten the string and measure the total length.

  3. Convert using the scale (same as above).

Example:

  • Measure the curve: Use a piece of string or edge of paper to follow the dotted line from C to D.

  • The dotted line between C and D is 8cm.

  • On a 1:50,000 map, 8 cm = 8 x 0.5 km = 4 km in reality

Exam Tips

  • Always show your working (e.g. “4 cm × 0.5 km = 2 km”).

  • Watch the units – convert cm → km or m as required.

  • If a line scale is given, you can measure directly against it for accuracy.

Diagram comparing map distances to real distances with scale conversions. The top section shows points A and B connected by a 5 cm line, representing 2.5 km in reality. The bottom section features points C and D connected by a zigzag line, with a height of 8 cm, representing 4 km in reality. A scale ratio of 1:50,000 is indicated at the bottom.

Estimating Area

On this map each grid square is 4cm by 4 cm.

It has a scale of 1:25000.

4cm on this map is therefore equal to 1km.

This means that every grid square is 1km x 1km.

With this information you can estimate the area that is covered by types of land on the map. 

Map of Haukeland area with highlighted red region covering more than one square but not two, and a text box explaining how to estimate the land area based on grid squares. The map includes lakes, roads, trails, and symbols for points of interest.

Relief

Relief is the shape and height of land.

It can be shown in 3 different methods.

The most common methods are:

  • Contour lines

  • Spot heights

  • Layer colouring

Altitude and height are different.

  • Height: The measurement of how tall something is, usually from its base to its top (e.g. the height of a hill or building).

  • Altitude: The measurement of how high something is above sea level (e.g. an aircraft flying at 10,000 m altitude or a town at 1,500 m altitude).

In Geography, altitude is more useful because it provides a universal reference point (sea level).

Six diagrams showing different representations of a mountain's elevation, slope, and contour lines. The top row displays a simple elevation profile with blue lines, the middle row shows a 3D perspective with black dots and measurements, and the bottom row presents a colorful heatmap indicating elevation levels from green at sea level to red at the highest point.
A tall, rocky island with lush green vegetation, rising from the ocean, with a height scale on the right indicating approximately 8 meters above sea level, under a partly cloudy sky.

Contour Lines

  • Brown/orange lines on a map that join points of equal height above sea level.

  • The closer together the lines, the steeper the slope; the further apart, the gentler the slope.

Spot Heights

  • A black dot with a number beside it showing the exact height (in metres) of that specific point above sea level.

Layer Colouring

  • Different shaded colours on a map used to show changes in height.

  • Low land = green, higher land = yellow/brown, mountains = darker brown.

Cross Sections

What is a Cross Section?

  • A cross section is a side-view diagram that shows the changes in relief (height/shape of the land) along a straight line drawn between two points on a map.

  • It helps us visualise the land’s profile (e.g. hills, valleys, coastal cliffs).

How Are Cross Sections Created?

  1. On the map, choose two points (e.g. A to B). Place a straight line between them.

  2. Lay a strip of paper along the line and mark every contour crossing (and any spot heights).

  3. Transfer these marks onto graph paper.

  4. Plot the heights accurately on the vertical axis, keeping scale consistent.

  5. Join the points smoothly to reveal the land’s shape.

Step 3

A topographic map showing elevation contours with two marked points labeled A and B connected by a red line. The contour lines indicate elevation levels ranging from 1020 to 1120. The map includes a side view and a bottom view with elevation markings.

Step 4

Step 1

Whole red apple next to a cross-sectioned apple showing the white flesh, seeds, and core.
Contoured map showing elevation levels with two peaks, one near point A and another near point B, connected by a red line.
Topographic map with contour lines, elevation numbers, and two points labeled A and B connected by a red dashed line.

Step 2

A topographic map with contour lines indicating elevation, overlaid by a tilted measuring tape labeled from point A to point B.

Step 5

A topographic map showing elevation contours between 1020 and 1120 meters. A red line connects two points labeled A and B, which are also marked on a corresponding elevation profile at the bottom of the image.

Keys and Symbols

What are Keys and Map Symbols?

  • Symbols are small drawings or shapes used on maps to represent real-world features (e.g. a tree symbol for woodland, a blue line for a river).

  • The key (or legend) explains what each symbol means so that the map can be read correctly.

How They’re Used in Exams

  • Identifying features: e.g. locating a school, river, or road.

  • Describing areas: e.g. settlement patterns, land use, transport routes.

  • Supporting other skills: combined with grid references, bearings, distance, or cross-sections.

A detailed map of a region with various symbols, legends, and icons indicating features such as roads, forests, rivers, buildings, landmarks, and recreational areas, along with scale and directional markers.

Do You Need to Memorise Them?

❌ No! In the IGCSE exam, you will always be provided with a key on the map extract.
✔️ Your task is to use the key to interpret what the symbols mean, not to memorise them.

A detailed map of a walking and cycling trail area showing roads, paths, heights, public facilities, and natural features. Key elements include roads, paths, public access points, and historical landmarks, with symbols denoting vegetation, tourist attractions, and leisure information.

Map Types

  • A world map with countries in various colors, showing continents and countries around the globe.
  • Map of Dallas with circles showing customer sales data by neighborhood, color-coded from yellow to dark red based on sales amount, with a legend indicating ranges from $1,000 to over $6,000.
  • World map displaying the percentage of country's population living in urban areas in 2016, with countries shaded in varying shades from gray to dark red.
  • A digital map showing the city of Edinburgh with green lines indicating different routes to various suburbs and neighboring areas. The map also includes labels for places like Newhaven, Lochend, Abbeyhill, Portobello, and Gorgie.
  • Map of the United States with red dots indicating distribution points across various states.
  • Map of Europe with orange arrows originating from a central point, showing movement directions to various countries.
  • Map of Europe with weather fronts, isobars, and color shading indicating temperature variations.
  • Two detailed maps of Opole, Poland, showing streets, parks, and geographic features. The maps are labeled with a scale of 1:25,000.
  • Map showing route from Neusiedl am See to Vienna, with main roads marked in pink and a legend on the left side.
  • World map illustrating the extent of Soviet influence, with countries once in the Soviet sphere of influence shaded in dark red and countries with maximum Soviet influence shaded in lighter red, demonstrating the Soviet Union's historical influence across Eurasia, parts of Africa, and the Americas.
  • Outline map showing main features of a town, including roads, a park, shops, a church, a school, and various avenues and streets.
  • A thematic map of the United States showing annual average precipitation in inches, with a color-coded legend from less than 5 inches to more than 180 inches, illustrating regional precipitation differences.
  • Topographical map showing contour lines, water features, wooded areas, and elevation details.