Map interpretation and data analysis Flashcards
Size and elevation
Site characteristic example
It occupies an area of about 4km² and is found between sea level (zero) and 20m above sea level. Most of the site is below 20m.
Landform
Site characteristic example
It is on a coastal plain, which is relatively flat and low-lying. Areas of low hills and some areas of depression or hollows are also present.
Geology
Site characteristic example
The site is predominantly sandy, as evidenced by bare ground and a lack of surface water features. Quarry sites indicate either rock or sand extraction.
Hard, impermeable, sandy, loose, shallow, deep, rocky, and clayey
Gradient
Site characteristic example
There are few widely spaced contours, indicating a flat to slightly undulating surface. A contour at 40m to the east of the town suggests a slight slope upwards in this direction.
Hydrological features
Site characteristic example
The coastline has numerous reefs with some access to the south in Arurine Bay. The intermittent Irwin River passes through the centre of the town.
Coastlines, rivers, swamps, and land subject to inundation
Vegetation
Site characteristic example
The presence of remnant areas of medium and scattered scrub indicate that this was the original type of vegetation covering the site.
Coordinates
Situation characteristic example
Dongara - Port Denison is situated at 29º 15’ South and 114º 55’ East in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres.
One place relative to another
Situation characteristic example
Dongara - Port Denison is approximately 350km north of Perth and 60km south of Geraldton on the western edge of Australia.
Describe one interrelationship between topography and transport.
Example answer
‘In the area shown on Source 1, topography and transport are closely related. For example, The Great Ocean Road (in AR 5142 and AR 5242) runs east-west at the southern end of a series of spurs, on relatively flat land, approximately 10-20 metres asl and therefore avoids a number of north-south oriented river valleys and spurs.’
Describe one interrelationship between topography and hydrological features.
‘In the area shown on Source 1, there are numerous rivers draining externally from high ground to low ground, while other creeks drain internally into swamps or marsh. For example, the Anglesea River flows south into Bass Strait. Creeks in AR 5147 drain from higher land (approx. 80m asl) south into swamps located in AR 5146 that are approximately 20m asl.’