Map scales and symbols — KCSE Geography

KCSE Geography · 83 practice questions · 9 syllabus objectives

27 easy28 medium28 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Identify types of topographic maps, state their uses, and calculate vertical exaggeration

Define map scale and state the three forms of expressing scale: statement scale, linear scale and representative fraction (RF)

Convert between the three forms of scale and use the RF to calculate actual distances and map distances

Identify and interpret conventional signs and symbols used on 1:50,000 topographic maps

Identify types of scale, convert between statement scale, representative fraction and linear scale

Calculate actual ground distance from map distance, map area to ground area, and perform unit conversions

Identify methods of relief representation; read spot heights, contour values and vertical intervals from maps

Identify and name man-made, physical, vegetation and drainage features from map symbols and grid squares

Map scales and symbols

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

State three man-made features that can be identified from a topographic map using conventional symbols. (3 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 3 marks
Bridges (indicated by specific symbols on the map) (1 mk)
Roads (shown as lines with specific thickness or markings) (1 mk)
Buildings (represented by squares or other designated symbols) (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

Name three methods of representing relief on a topographic map. (3 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 3 marks
Contour lines — lines connecting points of equal elevation (1 mk)
Spot heights — specific points marked with their elevation (1 mk)
Hill shading — use of shading to depict relief and slopes (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

A map with a scale of 1:100,000 shows a forest that measures 3.5 cm in length. Calculate the actual ground distance in kilometres. (2 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 2 marks
Actual distance = map distance × scale = 3.5 cm × 100,000 = 350,000 cm (1 mk)
Convert to km: 350,000 cm ÷ 100,000 = 3.5 km (1 mk)
4

Identify three types of map scales and provide one example for each. (3 marks)

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Why Practise Map scales and symbols?

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