Unit notes and practice questions
Everything here is for unit 8 of the Grade 9 Geography textbook: what the chapter covers, the short notes, practice questions with their answers, and the lesson video where one exists.
The cards filed under this chapter on the Grade 9 Geography page. Open one at a time.
| Scale Category | Representative Fraction | Area Covered | Level of Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Scale | Small | High detail | |
| Medium Scale | Medium | Moderate detail | |
| Small Scale | Large | Low detail |
When you use it
Use this to classify map scales and relate the scale ratio to ground area coverage and detail level.
Watch out
A larger denominator number like 1:1,000,000 indicates a smaller scale map, not a large scale map.
Drafted from Grade 9 Geography, page 202 onwards, then checked twice before it went up
When you use it
Use this rule to determine the four digit or six digit numeric coordinates of a specific point on a gridded map.
Watch out
Always read Eastings (vertical lines, from left to right) before Northings (horizontal lines, from bottom to top).
Drafted from Grade 9 Geography, page 202 onwards, then checked twice before it went up
| North Type | Definition | Reference on Map |
|---|---|---|
| True North | Direction along a meridian to the Geographic North Pole | Longitude lines (meridians) |
| Magnetic North | Direction indicated by the needle of a magnetic compass | Magnetic compass needle |
| Grid North | Direction of the vertical grid lines pointing upward | Eastings (vertical grid lines) |
When you use it
Use this to distinguish between the three distinct north reference points used in cartography and bearing measurements.
Watch out
Grid lines do not run true north except along the single standard central meridian.
Drafted from Grade 9 Geography, page 202 onwards, then checked twice before it went up
10 multiple-choice questions written against this chapter, each with its answer and the reason. Try one before you open the answer.
Question 1
What is the main function of the legend (or key) on a map?
Answer: A It explains the meaning of the signs and symbols used on the map.
Why
The legend or key explains the meaning of all signs, colors, and symbols used by the map-maker to represent physical and human features.
Question 2
By standard cartographic convention, which direction is usually placed at the top of a map?
Answer: C North
Why
By convention, map makers place the North direction at the top of maps using a North arrow or orientation indicator.
Question 3
Which instrument is used to measure the accurate area of both regular and irregular shapes directly from a map?
Answer: A Planimeter
Why
A planimeter is a mechanical device used to get accurate area measurements of both regular and irregular shapes from maps.
Question 4
A map with a scale greater than or equal to 1:50,000 is classified as a:
Answer: C Large-scale map
Why
Maps with scales of 1:50,000 or larger (such as 1:20,000 or 1:10,000) are large-scale maps. They show small areas in high detail.
Question 5
If a map has a Representative Fraction (RF) scale of 1:500,000, what is this scale expressed as a scale statement?
Answer: A 1 cm to 5 km
Why
Since 1 km = 100,000 cm, divide 500,000 by 100,000. This gives 5 km, meaning 1 cm on the map represents 5 km on the ground.
Question 6
On a map drawn to a scale of 1:800,000, the straight-line distance between two Ethiopian towns is 4 cm. What is the actual ground distance between them?
Answer: B 32 km
Why
Ground Distance = 4 cm × 800,000 cm = 3,200,000 cm. Dividing 3,200,000 cm by 100,000 gives 32 km.
Question 7
In the National Grid Reference system, what are the vertical grid lines that are numbered eastwards from the grid origin called?
Answer: C Eastings
Why
Vertical grid lines on a national grid map are numbered eastwards from the origin and are called eastings. Horizontal lines are called northings.
Question 8
If the angular bearing from point A to point B is 135°, which compass direction does this represent?
Answer: B Southeast (SE)
Why
Compass bearings start at North (0°) and move clockwise: East is 90°, Southeast is 135°, South is 180°, and West is 270°.
Question 9
A rectangular plot of grazing land measures 3 cm in length and 2 cm in width on a map with a scale of 1:250,000. What is the real ground area of the land?
Answer: C 37.5 km<sup>2</sup>
Why
At 1:250,000, 1 cm = 2.5 km. Ground length = 3 cm × 2.5 km = 7.5 km. Ground width = 2 cm × 2.5 km = 5 km. Area = 7.5 km × 5 km = 37.5 km2.
Question 10
Unlike a four-digit grid reference, a six-digit grid reference gives a position accurate to the nearest:
Answer: B 100 meters
Why
A six-figure grid reference provides location accuracy to the nearest 100 meters, which is possible on larger scale maps. A four-figure reference is accurate to the nearest kilometer.
The app holds 12 questions on this unit, marked as you go. These are the first 10.
The whole Grade 9 Geography textbook, free as a PDF.
Ministry of Education edition, English, 247 pages
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