Interpret height (relief) and contour patterns

Height on maps

Maps show height in a number of different ways:

Spot heights and triangulation pillars

This map extract shows exact heights by a black dot with a number next to it. The number is the height above sea level in metres. The blue triangle represents a triangulation pillar; the networks of concrete pillars found in the UK that were used to make maps.

Ordnance Survey map showing Snowdonia peaks

Contours

These are lines drawn on maps that join places of the same height. They are usually an orange or brown colour. Some contour lines have their height above or below sea level written on them. It is possible to use them to see the shape of the land - if contour lines are close together the slope is steep, if they are far apart the slope is gentle. Contour lines are usually drawn at 10 metre intervals on a 1:50,000 scale map and at 5 metre intervals on a 1:25,000 scale map.

Question

Ordnance survey showing Bamford in the Hope Valley — Figure caption,
© Crown copyright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey 100039117

On the map, find the following grid squares and match the description of the land with the correct grid reference:

a) 1981
b) 1983
c) 2281

The three possible descriptions are: flat land; gentle slope; steep land.

Question

OS extract showing the location of Slapton Sands — Figure caption,
© Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey 100039117

On the map:

a) Name the A road on the map and give the 4 figure grid reference of where it states the name on the map.
b) Give the 6 figure grid reference for the walk/trail (blue footprint) approx 1.2km south of Strete.
c) What symbol would you find in grid square 905509? What symbol would you across if you travelled SW for approximately 3.5km in grid square 863493?
In grid square the 8347 the contour lines are packed tightly today. What does this tell us about the relief (height) of the land in this square?

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OS map skills Interpret height (relief) and contour patterns