EFFINGHAM SECONDARY SCHOOL
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
MAPSKILLS EXERCISE
1. Harrismith was established in 1849 on the banks of the Wilge River. It is a country town on the N3 midway between Johannesburg and Durban – and a point where the road from Bloemfontein joins the N3. It is surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Study the map 2829AC Harrismith Free State below (Topographic and orthophoto maps) and answer the questions that follow:
1.1 The scale 1:50 000 represents a...
A) Ratio Scale
B) Word Scale
C) Linear Scale
1.2 1:50 000 written as a word scale would be...
A) 1cm on the map represents 0,15km on the ground
B) 1cm on the map represents 0,5km on the ground
C) 1cm on the map represents 0km on the ground
2x1=2
1.3 Differentiate between an orthophoto and a topographic map.
(Give two characteristics for each one) 2x2=4
1.4 Name ONE similarity and ONE difference between oblique aerial photography and vertical aerial photography. (2)
1.5 Circled numbers and letters have been added to the orthophoto to direct attention to specific features. You will need to refer to the topographic map, keys and symbols to answer the following questions.

1.5.1 Identify features labelled 1 – 4. (4)
1.5.2 Name the activity carried out in 8. (2)

1.5.3 If you are looking for a piece of land on which to build.
The land should:
- Be big enough for six homes with a garden.
- Have stunning views.
a) Which of the sites D, E or F would best meet your needs?
Motivate your answer. (3)
1.6 Using the Topographic map, answer the questions that follow
1.6.1 Calculate the straight line distance in kilometres from
the following spot heights. Show all calculations.
1.6.1.1 Spot height 1731(C4) and spot height 2264(A7). (3)
1.6.1.2 Spot height 2323(A7) and spot height 2338(B8). (3)
1.6.2 Direction is the approximate way of describing the position of one place in relation to another. Using your knowledge give the direction of the following places:
1.6.2.1 From Kings Hill Plantation (C5) to Victoria Lake (B2) (1)
1.6.2.2 Kaya Lami(D5) and Glen Cyber(B5) (1)
1.6.2.3 Arcadia (D7) from Watersmeet(A3) (1)
1.6.3 Area is the quantity that expresses the extent of a two dimensional figure or shape.
1.6.3.1 Calculate the square highlighted on the map (D5 and D6).
Show all calculations (4)
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KEYS AND SYMBOLS FOR MAP OF HARRISMITH 2829AC

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OF HARRISMITH, FREE STATE 2829AC

ORTHOPHOTO MAP OF HARRISMITH, FREE STATE 2829AC