Free SACE Geography Flashcard Review

A grid reference identifies a point or feature on a map using numbers. It is read by stating eastings BEFORE northings (e.g. 229871: 2298 east, 71 north).

A four-figure reference identifies a grid SQUARE (e.g. 2186); a six-figure reference identifies a specific POINT within that square (e.g. 218862) with much greater precision.

Eastings are the numbers running horizontally (left to right) showing distance east of the map's left edge. Northings are the numbers running vertically (bottom to top) showing distance north of the map's bottom edge.

A contour line connects points of equal height on a map. The contour interval is the vertical distance between consecutive contours (e.g. 20 m); smaller intervals show more detail.

A spot height is a marked point showing the exact height of a feature (e.g. 485 m at a hilltop). Unlike contours (which show lines of equal height), a spot height gives a single precise altitude.

Relief describes the variation in height across the landscape. Gradient measures the steepness of a slope; closely spaced contours indicate steep gradient, widely spaced contours indicate gentle gradient.

A cross-section is a side-view diagram drawn along a line (e.g. X–Y) on a map, showing the elevation profile of the land. Heights are taken from contours and spot heights along the line.

A transect is a line drawn across a landscape along which data or observations are recorded at regular intervals; commonly used in fieldwork (e.g. vegetation transect from shore to cliff).

Scale is the ratio between map distance and ground distance. It can be expressed as a representative fraction (1:25 000, meaning 1 unit on the map = 25 000 on the ground) or as a written statement (1 cm = 250 m).

Divide the second number by 100 to convert to centimetres and metres. 1:25 000 means 1 cm on the map = 250 m on the ground (25 000 ÷ 100 = 250 m).

An oblique photograph is taken from above at an angle, looking across the landscape toward the horizon. It shows height, shape and three-dimensional relationships between features clearly.

An aerial photograph is taken from above looking straight down (near-vertical). It provides minimal perspective but allows measurement of distances and areas; oblique photos give better 3D detail.

A satellite image is a picture of the Earth's surface captured from space by satellite sensors. Advantages include large area coverage, regular updating, and ability to show features invisible to ground cameras (e.g. thermal or infrared data).

A choropleth map uses shading or colour intensity to show the distribution of a variable across regions (e.g. population density per region). It is best for continuous quantitative data that varies geographically.

A proportional symbol map uses circles, squares or other symbols of varying size to represent data at different locations. It is useful for showing multiple datasets at once (e.g. cities sized by population).

Site refers to the specific physical location and immediate surroundings of a place (e.g. a town built on a river floodplain, sheltered by hills); it describes the terrain and natural features at that exact spot.

Situation refers to the location relative to other places and transport networks (e.g. a town near a major highway junction). Site is the local terrain; situation is the broader regional context.

Settlement patterns describe how buildings and communities are arranged. The three main types are nucleated (clustered around a centre), dispersed (scattered across the countryside) and linear (strung along a route).

Land use describes human activities on the land (e.g. farming, residential, industrial). Land cover describes the physical surface (e.g. forest, grassland, concrete); land cover is what you see, land use is what humans do there.

A hypothesis is a testable prediction stating a relationship between two measurable variables (e.g. 'River velocity increases downstream' or 'If tree cover is greater, then surface temperature is lower'). It must be clear, measurable and either provable or disprovable.