Geography & History Notes | KCSE, NECTA, ZIMSEC & GCSE

  before understanding the map scale first you need to understand what is scale? The scale is the ratio that is used to calculate the actual size or area of items which has been reduced in size. The map scale is the ratio of a distance on the map with the actual or corresponding distance on the ground. Remember, the map is a scaled representation of the part of the earth's surface. 3 types of map scale representation Map scale can be expressed in three ways Using linear and this is known as a linear scale using ratio this is known as ratio fraction or RF using a statement where the scale is expressed in words, for example, I cm on the map represent 10 kilometers on the ground The statement scale The statement scale is when you make a statement saying what the distance on the map represents on the ground. You may say 1 centimeter measured on the map represents 1 kilometer measured on the ground or 1 centimeter to 1 kilometer. Notice that the statements mention two distances. The ...

  Vegetation is the collective name for plants in particular area. it can be natural (man have not planted them) or artificial(planted by man) The natural vegetation can be categorized into Forest Grassland Marshy and swampy vegetation Thickets Riverine trees Woodland Scrubs In the topographic map, the distribution of natural vegetation is shown by conventional symbols. This means they are all listed on the map key. The following are hints on how to describe vegetation in topographic map first, categorize or group the type of vegetation as shown in the map. So this means that you have to look in map key to see symbols representing vegetation after that yo will look into the map and state what type of vegetation you have found. For example if you see forest and woodland in your map then state that in the map provided vegetation consist of forest and woodland Secondly, give brief explanation to vegetation distribution. This means you have to state using direction, place names or any ...

  Latitude refers to the angular distance North or South of the equator measured in degrees, minutes and seconds. The equator is given a value of 00. It is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into two hemispheres. The Northern hemisphere has a latitude of 90o N and the Southern hemisphere has a latitude of 90o S. Therefore, Parallels of latitude are particular lines joining all points on the surface of the earth and making an angle of 300 N with the equatorial plane. THE IMPORTANT PARALLELS INCLUDE Equator 0 o Tropic of cancer 23.5 degrees N Tropic of Capricorn 23.5 degrees S Arctic Circles 66.5 degrees N The Atlantic Circle 66.5 degrees S   LONGITUDE Refers to the angular distance measured in degrees East and West of the Greenwich Meridian. Prime Meridian is the line running through the poles and the Greenwich Observatory near London. It is also known as Greenwich Meridian. All lines of longitude are semi circles of equal length. Lines of longitude are also called m...

  North is geographically defined as a zero degree bearing. In geography there are three types of north True north This is the position of the geographical north pole. all longitudes meets at true north. It is usually represented by a star on the sign of the topographical map Magnetic north This is the direction to the magnetic north pole, as shown by the north-seeking needle of a compass. When a needle of a compass is left to swing freely, it comes to rest in a north-south position. Its north point shows the earth's magnetic north. This type of north varies from place to place and from time to time. It is usually represented by a line ending with half of the arrowhead Grid north On most topographical maps , there are lines that are drawn north to south. These lines are called grid lines (eastings). they meet at point in the north pole called grid north. It is symbolized by the latter GN. RELATED POSTS COMPARISON BETWEEN FISHING IN KENYA AND JAPAN THE CONCEPT OF ENVIRONMENT, COMPO...

  Maps come in an infinite variety of sizes and styles and serve a limitless diversity of purposes. Regardless of type, however, every map should contain a few basic components to facilitate its use Omission of any of these essential components decreases the clarity of the map and may make it more difficult to interpret. Title: This should be a brief summary of the map’s content or purpose. It should identify the area covered and provide some indication of content, such as “Road Map of Kenya,” or “River Discharge in Northern Europe.” Date: This should indicate the time span over which the information was collected. In addition, some maps also give the date of publication of the map. Most maps depict conditions or patterns that are temporary or even momentary. For a map to be meaningful, therefore, the reader must be informed when the data were gathered, as this information indicates how timely or out of date the map is. Location: Although the grid system of latitude and longitude i...