Geographical Skills

What are geographical skills?

Geographical skills are the abilities and knowledge that geographers use to collect, analyse, and interpret spatial and environmental data. These skills are essential for understanding the complexities of the natural world and the interactions between humans and the environment.

Some of the main geographical skills include:

Map reading and interpretation: Using maps to visualise and analyse spatial data, such as topography, land use, and climate patterns. They must be able to read and interpret maps accurately to understand the spatial relationships between different features.

Map skills commonly examined in GCSE geography include:

• 4 and 6 figure grid references
• Scale
• Bearings
• Height
• Topography
• Cross-sections

Data collection and analysis: Geographers use a range of methods to collect data about the environment and human populations, including surveys, satellite imagery, and fieldwork. They must be able to analyze and interpret this data to understand patterns and trends.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS is a powerful tool that allows geographers to create, analyse, and interpret spatial data. Geographers use GIS software to analyze and visualize complex data sets and to make informed decisions about environmental management and planning.
 
Fieldwork or enquiry: Used to gather data about the natural environment and human populations. This can involve conducting surveys, collecting samples, and observing and recording data in the field.

In IGCSE/GCSE you will either complete your own fieldwork and/or you will be examined on fieldwork skills in the final exam.

Critical thinking: Geographers use critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret data, identify patterns and trends, and make informed decisions. They must be able to think creatively and independently to develop new solutions to complex environmental problems.

How do you give a 4 and 6 figure grid reference?

• 4-figure are used to locate specific grid squares within the map
  • The first two figures are the eastings which indicate how far east or west a grid is across the map
  • The second two figures are the northings which indicate how far north or south a grid is on the map
• 6-figure grid references are used to locate exact points within grid squares
  • The first three figures are the eastings
  • The second three figures are the northings
• To find a 4 and 6 figure grid reference
  • First, find the four-figure grid reference by giving the number from the bottom of the map first and then the number from the side of the map. 

• In image above the 4-figure grid reference would be 17, 51
• To give the 6-figure grid reference you need to image that the grid square is divided into 100 smaller squares

How to measure distance on an Ordnance Survey map

• Maps in the exam will either be scale 1:25,000 where 1cm on the map = 25,000cm (250m) in real life or 1:50,000 where 1cm =50,000cm (500m) in real life
• When the distance is straight or almost straight it can either be measured using a ruler or the edge of a straight piece of paper.
• Using the scale at the bottom of the map mark distances are marked on a piece of paper.
• This can then be laid from the first point to the second point to calculate the distance.

What is a bearing and how is it given?

• Directions on a map should always be given using compass points
• There are 16 compass points
• A grid bearing is measured from grid north at 0o, East is 90o, South is 180o  and West is 270o
• Grid bearings are given using a protractor
• The 0o should be pointing north and the centre of the protractor on the place the bearing is been given from
• The compass direction and grid bearing from the crossroads at A to the location at B
• On the map below B is South West of A
• The bearing is 280o

How do you use a map to draw a cross-section?

• A cross-section is a slice through the landscape
• They are represented on a map by a line which is often labelled A at one end and B at the other
• They use the contour lines to determine the height of the land
• A piece of paper is then laid along the line and points A and B are marked on
• The contour lines are then marked on each time they cross the paper