7. Geographical Skills: Ordnance Survey Maps A B C
1:50 000 scale map
Amount of detail: You can use a 1:50 000 map for directions when walking but it will only show larger features such as roads and large paths.
Working with others
Examine the three images A–C and answer these questions: Which map would be useful for: 1. Someone wishing to locate a town or village in Ireland? 2. Someone wishing to locate a particular landmark in a town or county? 3. Someone wishing to plot a route around a city or town?
7.2 How to Measure Distances on a Map
Straight-Line Distances
The shortest distance between any two points is the straight-line distance , or ‘as the crow flies’.
To calculate straight-line distance, use this method: Road X
Step 1: Place a straight edge of paper on the map so that it passes through the two points you want to measure.
Step 2: Mark the edge of the paper where the first point and last point touch it.
Step 3: Place the edge of the paper on the map’s linear scale and measure precisely the distance between the two marks.
Metres 2. Measuring straight-line distance X Y 79 1 0 1 2 3 Kilometres Y
1:25 000 scale map
Amount of detail: A 1:25 000 map will give you enough detail for directions to go walking, running and off-road cycling.
1:10 000 scale map
Amount of detail: These maps are used for town planning. Car navigation systems also use 1:10 000 scale maps.