Map interpretation and data analysis

Question 1

Size and elevation

Site characteristic example

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Landform

Site characteristic example

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Geology

Site characteristic example

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Gradient

Site characteristic example

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Hydrological features

Site characteristic example

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Vegetation

Site characteristic example

Answer 6

The presence of remnant areas of medium and scattered scrub indicate that this was the original type of vegetation covering the site.

Question 7

Coordinates

Situation characteristic example

Answer 7

Dongara - Port Denison is situated at 29º 15’ South and 114º 55’ East in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres.

Question 8

One place relative to another

Situation characteristic example

Answer 8

Dongara - Port Denison is approximately 350km north of Perth and 60km south of Geraldton on the western edge of Australia.

Question 9

Describe one interrelationship between topography and transport.

Example answer

Answer 9

‘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.’

Question 10

Describe one interrelationship between topography and hydrological features.

Answer 10

‘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.’