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Information from Maps

Maps do more than show where places are. This GCSE Geography quiz helps you read maps, spot changes over time, and explain what they reveal.

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Fascinating Fact:

By comparing different maps of the same area, geographers can identify changes over time, such as urban growth, deforestation, or new transport routes.

In GCSE Geography, information from maps is used to spot patterns, measure distances, and describe how places change. You combine map skills with geography knowledge to explain what the patterns mean.

Key Terms

Map interpretation: Working out what the patterns, symbols, and labels on a map tell you about a place.
Map key (legend): The part of a map that explains what symbols, colours, and line styles mean.
Map scale: The ratio that shows how distances on the map relate to real-life distances on the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do you describe information from maps in GCSE Geography?

To describe information from maps, you identify patterns, use compass directions, quote distances and heights from the scale and contours, and explain what this shows about the place or process.

What types of maps do I need to know for GCSE Geography?

For GCSE Geography, you should understand Ordnance Survey maps, thematic maps such as climate or population maps, choropleth maps, and sometimes aerial photos or satellite images used alongside maps.

How can I get better at interpreting maps for my GCSE exam?

You can improve by practising past questions, using OS map extracts, carefully reading keys and scales, and regularly describing patterns you see on maps in full sentences.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.

1 .

The map displays some of the key ocean currents of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Which of the following descriptions is NOT correct?

The California current lies in the Pacific Ocean and flows southwards

The Benguela current and Peru current transport cold water towards the equator

The Canaries current and guinea current both carry warm water towards the equator

The Brazil current and Gulf Stream carry warmer water towards the polar regions

These major currents are caused by differences in temperature in different areas of the oceans

2 .

This map shows the HDI of most of the world's countries. For what geographical term is HDI an acronym?

Highest Denominational Integer

Human Development Index

Human Degradation Indicator

Human Development Indicator

HDI is a measure of many factors such as literacy, life expectancy, access to health services etc

3 .

The map shows the main vegetation zones of the world. Which of the following is NOT a true statement?

Areas of temperate broadleaf forest are found only in the UK

One area where tundra is found is the north of Canada

Most of the world rainforest areas are found between the tropic of cancer and the tropic of capricorn

Between almost all of the areas of tundra and other vegetation zones, you find the taiga biome

Taiga is coniferous woodland and is in fact the largest terrestrial biome. A biome is an area of plants and animals that have common characteristics that are adapted to the climate. A biome can contain many different habitats and ecosystems.

4 .

Look at the map and decide which of the following is/are accurate?

A characteristic of a less economically developed country is that a high proportion of the urban population lives in shanty towns or slums

About half of the urban population of India live in slum areas

According to the map most African counties are unlikely to be MEDCs

All of the above

When looking at information on computer screens, the colours are sometimes not easy to see as different screens show colours that are slightly different to others - this is something that you need to bear in mind when gathering GIS data

5 .

This is part of a map created in 1854 showing cases of the deadly disease cholera in London. How many cases of cholera were there in total on Portland Street and in the work house?

This type of map is called a dot distribution map

6 .

The map shows the percentage of urban populations living in slums. In how many African countries are 60 to 70 percent of the urban population living in slums?

It is believed that over a billion people are living in slums and shanty towns

7 .

This map is an example of:

an Ordnance Survey map

a Mercator map

a plan

a choropleth map

A choropleth map is a map in which areas are shaded or filled with a pattern in proportion to the statistical variable being displayed on the map, such as population density

8 .

Based on the information given on the map of land use in Bosnia-Hercegovina in which of these towns are you most likely to find BOTH wine making and timber production occuring?

Sarajevo

Gacko

Bihac

Zenica

According to the map, mixed farming in Bosnia-Hercegovina includes vineyards so you are looking for a town near both forests and mixed farming. Out of the four towns given, Bihac lies on the border between an area where mixed farming and forest occurs

9 .

Which statement about changes in global temperature is correct?

The countries along the equator have had the largest temperature increases

Since 1950, the northern hemisphere has seen the largest temperature increases

Overall, between 1950 and 2014, world temperatures have decreased a lot

Brazil is the only country in which the temperature rose during the second half of the twentieth century

Most of the world's glaciers are in retreat and each winter, a smaller area of sea at the two poles freezes over than in the middle part of the twentieth century

10 .

Look at the map, it shows some of the main ocean currents of the world. Which of the following statements about the Canaries current is correct?