Exploring Our World: Junior Cycle Geography · 1st Year · Geographical Skills and Mapping · Summer Term

Finding Places on a Map

Students will learn to use simple directions (left, right, north, south) and basic grid squares to find places on a map.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA: Primary Curriculum - Myself and the Wider World
• NCCA: Primary Curriculum - Geographical Investigation

About This Topic

Aerial photographs and satellite imagery provide a different perspective on the Earth's surface compared to traditional maps. This topic teaches students how to interpret vertical and oblique photographs, identifying land use, settlement patterns, and physical features. They learn to use the 'clock face' or 'grid' method to locate features on a photo.

The NCCA curriculum emphasizes 'Remote Sensing' as a key geographical skill. Students compare old and new photographs to see how a landscape has changed over time, a process called 'temporal change.' This is particularly useful for studying urban sprawl or the impact of coastal erosion. Satellite imagery also allows students to see global patterns, like deforestation or weather systems, from space.

Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, especially when comparing a map and a photograph of the same area to see what each one 'hides' or 'reveals.'

Key Questions

1. How can we use a map to find our way?
2. What are the main directions on a map (North, South, East, West)?
3. How can we describe where something is on a simple map?

Learning Objectives

• Identify the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) on a map and in the local environment.
• Describe the location of a place on a simple grid system using coordinates.
• Compare the information provided by a map with that provided by an aerial photograph of the same area.
• Explain how simple directional terms (left, right, forward, back) relate to map orientation.

Before You Start

My Local Area

Why: Students need a basic understanding of their immediate surroundings to relate map features to real-world locations.

Introduction to Symbols and Signs

Why: Familiarity with using and interpreting simple symbols is foundational for understanding map legends and features.

Key Vocabulary

Cardinal Directions	The four main points on a compass: North, South, East, and West. These help us orient ourselves and navigate.
Grid System	A network of horizontal and vertical lines on a map that creates squares, used to identify specific locations by coordinates.
Compass Rose	A symbol on a map that shows the cardinal directions, helping users understand the map's orientation.
Aerial Photograph	A photograph taken from an aircraft or drone, looking down on the landscape, showing features from above.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Aerial photos are just 'pretty pictures' and not as accurate as maps.

What to Teach Instead

Photos show the 'real' ground at a specific moment, whereas maps are generalized and can be out of date. A 'spot the difference' activity between a recent photo and an older map helps students see the value of photographic evidence.

Common Misconception

Vertical and oblique photos are the same.

What to Teach Instead

Vertical photos are taken from directly above (90 degrees), while oblique photos are taken at an angle. Using a camera or phone to take a 'vertical' and 'oblique' photo of a pencil case helps students see the difference in perspective immediately.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk: Then and Now

Display pairs of aerial photos of an Irish town from 50 years ago and today. Students move in pairs to identify three major changes (e.g., new housing, removed trees, road changes) and record them on a worksheet.

35 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle: Map vs. Photo

Groups are given an OS map and an aerial photo of the same area. They must find five things visible on the photo but not the map (e.g., cars, types of trees) and five things on the map but not the photo (e.g., place names, height).

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: The Best View

Show an oblique and a vertical photo of a castle. Students discuss with a partner which one is better for seeing the height of the walls vs. the layout of the grounds, then share their reasoning with the class.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Emergency services, like the fire brigade or ambulance service, use grid references on maps to quickly locate incidents in unfamiliar areas, ensuring rapid response times.
• Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts use maps with compasses and grid systems to plan routes and navigate safely through national parks and mountainous regions, avoiding getting lost.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Provide students with a simple map of the school grounds featuring a grid. Ask them to identify the location of the library using coordinates (e.g., B3) and then describe the route from the classroom to the library using directional terms (e.g., 'Go two squares east, then one square north').

Exit Ticket

Give each student a small printed aerial photograph of a local landmark. Ask them to draw a simple compass rose on it and label the cardinal directions. Then, ask them to write one sentence describing where the landmark is in relation to a known point (e.g., 'The park is to the west of the school').

Discussion Prompt

Present students with a map and an aerial photograph of the same small town. Ask: 'What features can you see clearly on the map that are not obvious on the photograph? What features are easier to see on the photograph? How do these two ways of looking at a place help us understand it better?'

Frequently Asked Questions

How can active learning help students understand aerial photography?

Active learning, such as 'then and now' comparisons or map-to-photo matching tasks, encourages students to become 'geographical detectives.' By searching for clues of change or identifying specific land uses in high-resolution images, they develop a keen eye for detail. This investigative approach makes the study of remote sensing much more engaging than simply labeling features on a worksheet.

What is the difference between a vertical and an oblique photograph?

A vertical photograph is taken from directly above the subject, looking straight down. An oblique photograph is taken from an angle, which makes it easier to see the height and sides of buildings or hills.

How can we use satellite imagery to help the environment?

Scientists use satellite images to monitor things like the melting of ice caps, the clearing of rainforests, and the spread of urban areas. This data is vital for making decisions about conservation and climate change.

What is 'land use' in an aerial photograph?

Land use refers to how the land is being used by humans, such as for housing (residential), shops (commercial), factories (industrial), or farming (agricultural).