Map Work Exercises
Map work exercises, routes, pdfs, GCSE geography
For many years now, the Department of Earth Sciences at University College London has run an introductory orienteering exercise on Hampstead Heath to familiarise new undergraduates with basic map skills.
The orienteering exercises provided here are based on those used for the UCL undergraduates, but are tailored towards a younger age group, particularly those studying GCSE Geography.
There are two routes, Red and Blue, each of which comprises 5 localities covering all the basic skills required for GCSE Geography map work skills, plus some introduction to the underlying geology of the Heath. Both routes are based on the use of an Ordnance Survey map, as required by all examination boards.
Routes Overview
Worksheets for Pupils
- File
- File
Guides for Teachers
- Blue Route
- Red Route
The Pupil Worksheets are in the form of Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf) files. Adobe Acrobat PDF reader can be downloaded for free.
Notes for Teachers:
These route guides provide the answers to the questions posed during the map skills exercises, and try to explain:
The purpose of each question
The skills required to complete a particular question
Previous knowledge needed by the students, particularly for geology related questions
Although the two routes are generally very similar, with virtually the same topics covered on each, the Blue route is slightly more difficult than the Red route. This is due to the challenge presented in travelling between localities 3 and 4. Locality 4 is not always particularly easy to spot, and pupils must feel very confident in their map reading and compass skills in order to be sure that they have reached the right place.
Therefore, depending on your own particular pupils, it might be an idea to do one of the following:
- Walk all pupils around the relatively easier Red route so they can learn the basic orienteering skills collectively, and then send them on the more difficult Blue route to test out their new knowledge.
- Send the more confident pupils around the Blue route and the less confident ones around the Red route.
Either way, we STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you try out both routes yourself before sending pupils just in case anything has changed since the routes were created, or in case any of it appears to be too easy/difficult and you would like to change it.
If you do find that anything has changed on either of the routes we would very much appreciate it if you could let us know, and we can update the website.
Blue Route
Click the points along the blue route to see the location of the entries below
Click the points along the blue route to see the location of the entries below. Click here for a larger version of the map.
Guide for Teachers
The route is expected to take approximately 2 hours to complete and finishes at Kenwood House where there is a café and toilet facilities.
Before pupils embark on the route, it is assumed that they will have been taught basic map and compass skills in the classroom.
Useful websites:
- The Ordnance Survey
- The US Orienteering Federation
- It is important that all pupils calibrate their pace length beforehand, i.e. work out how many paces they walk over a distance of 100m.
Worksheets for Pupils
- Blue Route
START
You should be standing on a crossing of paths at Grid Reference 2721 8597.
Locate yourself on the map.
Pupils must understand and use the eight-figure GRID REFERENCE to locate themselves on the unmarked map.
From this spot the spire of Hampstead Church is visible to the West. What is the bearing to it from here?
[answer, 280°]
The church lies 740 m from you on the bearing you have just measured. Using this information, find it on your map.
They must first establish what distance on the map represents 740 m by using the SCALE, and then use their compass to draw a line on a bearing of 280°, which should locate Hampstead Church.
What is the grid reference of the church? [answer, 2649 8609]
Again, they must be able to give an eight-figure GRID REFERENCE to locate the church on the map.
What is the back bearing from the church to you? [answer, 100°]
Pupils must subtract 180° from their bearing measurement to obtain the back bearing. (Note that some compasses will do this for you).
ROUTE STOP 1
This locality lies 190 m from you on a bearing of 024°. However, you will not be able to walk there in a straight line. Determine this locality on your map first and then decide on the best route to get there.
What prevents you from walking there in a straight line? [answer, Hampstead Ponds]
This enables pupils to use the SCALE of the map to measure 190 m on a bearing of 024°, to study the map and the key in order to assess the probable obstacles in their way, and to determine the best route around them.
They will not be able to pace out the distance directly, but they should break the route into stages, and en route, they must keep checking their compass and pacing to ensure they are heading in the right general direction.
On the way, keep an eye out for information signs…
On how many ponds is fishing allowed? [answer, six ponds]
This question is intended to show pupils that they are heading in the right direction.
ROUTE STOP 2
Orientate yourself on a bearing of 010° and follow the path straight ahead for 130 m. Now re-orientate yourself on a bearing 324° and walk for a further 140 m.
Using their already calibrated pace lengths, pupils must initially work out how many paces they will walk over 120 m and 140 m and then use their compass to determine the right DIRECTIONS.
littlejohn.jpg
Once you have arrived:
Find a bench with the name of an inhabitant of Sherwood Forest.
Who are they and how many years ago were they born? [answer, Enid Littlejohn, born 1927]
This is a general knowledge question that allows pupils to check whether they have reached the right spot. Obviously, the answer to the second part of this question will depend on what year the exercise is being carried out.
What is the bearing of Hampstead Church from here? [answer, 246°]
ROUTE STOP 3
Determine which direction is NW and follow the curve of the path this way until you reach a drinking fountain.
Now turn to face South and walk 20 m towards a stone monument.
hurricane.jpg
On what bearing is the direction NW? [answer, 315°]
What famous event is recorded on the monument? [answer, The 1987 hurricane]
What type of rock is the grey outer part of the monument made from? [answer, granite]
Pupils must use their compass to find the DIRECTION NW and discover what bearing it lies on.
Furthermore, pupils are expected to know enough basic geology to be able to identify the rock as a granite.
ROUTE STOP 4
This locality lies 650 m from you on a bearing of 338°. It will be difficult for you to walk there in a straight line, but if you determine your destination on the map first, you can then decide on the best route to get there.
Again, pupils must use the SCALE of the map to measure 650 m and use their compass to determine the DIRECTION 338°. They can then use the map and the key to assess the probable obstacles and determine the best route around them. They must make sure they break their routes into easily manageable stages.
Once you have arrived:
You should be standing on the edge of a fenced off area.
sphagnum.jpg
How does the vegetation within the fenced off area differ from that outside? [answer, Water-loving plants, including sphagnum, inside; grass outside]
Does this suggest that the area within the fence is wetter or drier than the area outside it? [answer, it suggests it is wetter]
This locality relates to the Sphagnum Bog, which is discussed under Sphagnum on the Heath.
N.B. Please bear in mind that the Sphagnum Bog is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and access is restricted. Do not let pupils climb over the fence.
Given that Hampstead Heath is made up of well drained sands overlying impermeable (water-tight) clay, can you infer anything about the geology of this location from the vegetation and wetness of the ground? [answer, The clay here that usually lies beneath the sands is outcropping at the surface, so the water cannot drain away, and instead sits at the surface, making the ground waterlogged]
spring.gif
Information about this topic can be found under Springs on the Heath.
This question introduces pupils to the geology of the Heath and its effect on the surface vegetation (possibly of use in GCSE Biology).
The ground is clearly wetter here than has been seen previously on the route, and the vegetation very different. Pupils should have a basic understanding of the geology of the Heath before they attempt this question.
ROUTE STOP 5
Find the large house at The Iveagh Bequest, Kenwood, on your map. What is its Grid Reference? [answer, 2710 8740]
Make your way there, trying to follow the paths.
Look at the paths beneath your feet. What are they covered with? [answer, rounded pebbles]
Considering what you have learnt about the underlying geology of the Heath, do you think this covering is natural or man-made? Why? [answer, The covering of pebbles is natural because the underlying geology includes two beds of sand (Bagshot Sands and Claygate Beds), from which the pebbles have been removed by erosion]
If pupils are particularly observant they will notice that the Grid Reference is provided on the front page of their answer sheets!
Information on this subject is given under Pebbles on the Heath.
It is assumed that pupils will have been taught about the geology of the Heath before they begin the route.
Final destination: Kenwood House
kenwood_house.jpg
Red Route
START
You should be standing at the end of Parliament Hill, a street where Hampstead town meets Hampstead Heath, Grid Reference 2754 8605.
Locate yourself on the map.
Pupils must understand and use the eight-figure GRID REFERENCE to locate themselves on the unmarked map.
Who lived in the house at the top end of this street? [answer, George Orwell]
What is he famous for? [answer, English novelist who wrote Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-four]
This is a general knowledge question. Can be used if deemed appropriate.
ROUTE STOP 1
From the end of Parliament Hill, determine which direction is NE and walk 150 m in this direction. You should come to an area of benches with a great view of London.
On what bearing is the direction NE? [answer, 045°]
Pupils must use their compass to find the DIRECTION NE and discover what bearing it lies on.
They must then be able to walk for 150 m on a bearing of 045° using their own calibrated pace length (i.e. they must first calculate how many paces will carry them 150 m).
Can you find a bench dedicated to someone with the same name as Robin Hood’s home?
What is their full name? [answer, Edward Torrance Sherwood]
sherwood.jpg
Now, using the approximate directions provided, determine the precise bearings to each of the following three points:
Bearing to Highgate Church (general direction = NNE) [answer, 032°] (Hint: it is the church on the top of the hill)
Bearing to Radio Mast (general direction = NW) [answer, 306°]
bearings.jpg
This tests pupils on DIRECTION by taking bearings with their compass.
Calculate the back bearings from these two points.
Back bearing from Highgate Church [answer, 212°]
Back bearing from Radio Mast [answer, 126°]
What is your present grid reference? [answer, 2765 8613]
Pupils must know that to calculate a back bearing, 180° is added or subtracted from the bearing. With these back bearings, they can then use triangulation to locate themselves and thus determine their grid reference.
back to map
ROUTE STOP 2
keep_nets.jpg
From the “Robin Hood” bench, orientate yourself on a bearing of 024° and walk in a straight line for 370 m until you reach a gate. Don’t walk any further unless you fancy a swim!
What sort of nets cannot be used here? [answer, Keep nets or sacks]
Pupils must use their compass to orientate themselves and then calculate the number of paces they need to walk for 370 m before setting off.
The next locality lies 570 m from you on a bearing of 330°. Unlike last time, you cannot walk all 570 m in a straight line. However, if you determine your destination on the map first, you can then decide on the best route to get there.
(Hint: break your route into stages so that you can keep a check on where you are)
What prevents you from walking there in a straight line? [answer, Highgate Pond]
This enables pupils to use the SCALE of the map in order to measure 570 m on a bearing of 330°, to study the map and the key in order to assess the probable obstacles in their way, and to determine the best route around them.
They will not be able to pace out the distance directly, but should keep checking their compass to ensure they are heading in the right general direction.
This is the hardest part of the course and might require some guidance.
back to map
ROUTE STOP 3
stop_three.jpg
Once you have arrived:
Is the ground wetter or drier here than across the rest of the Heath? [answer, It is wetter here]
What change in vegetation can you see here? [answer, there are rushes and sedges rather than just grass]
spring2.gif
Given that Hampstead Heath is made up of well drained sands overlying impermeable (water-tight) clay, can you infer anything about the geology of this location from the vegetation and wetness of the ground? [answer, The clay here that usually lies beneath the sands is outcropping at the surface, so the water cannot drain away, and instead sits at the surface, making the ground waterlogged]
Information about this topic can be found under Springs on the Heath.
This question introduces pupils to the geology of the Heath and its effect on the surface vegetation (possibly of use in GCSE Biology).
The ground is clearly wetter here than has been seen previously on the route, and the vegetation very different. Pupils should have a basic understanding of the geology of the Heath before they attempt this question.
back to map
ROUTE STOP 4
Now find your way to Grid Reference 2744 8703. Again, determine the position on your map and work out the best way to get there.
Once you have arrived:
What estate are you about to enter? [answer, The Kenwood Estate]
At what time is it closed in the winter? [answer, 4:45pm]
As with locality three, pupils must use the map to determine the best route, but instead of measuring the distance on a bearing, they must find it using a grid reference.
kenwood_house2.jpg
Questions are provided so that pupils know they have reached the right place.
back to map
ROUTE STOP 5
Find the large house at The Iveagh Bequest, Kenwood, on your map. What is its Grid Reference? [answer, 2710 8740]
Make your way there, trying to follow the paths.
Look at the paths beneath your feet. What are they covered with? [answer, rounded pebbles]
Considering what you have learnt about the underlying geology of the Heath, do you think this covering is natural or man-made? Why? [answer, The covering of pebbles is natural because the underlying geology includes two beds of sand (Bagshot Sands and Claygate Beds), from which the pebbles have been removed by erosion]
If pupils are particularly observant they will notice that the Grid Reference is provided on the front page of their answer sheets!
Information on this subject is given under Pebbles on the Heath.
It is assumed that pupils will have been taught about the geology of the Heath before they begin the route.
Final destination: Kenwood House
kenwood_house.jpg
END
The routes should only take about an hour to complete and both finish at Kenwood House which is a good place to meet up and have lunch.
It is assumed that pupils will have lessons on basic map work and compass skills before they embark on the routes. General information is provided about the geology of the Heath and the area of the Kenwood Estate. This information can be either given to pupils before or after they attempt the routes, to help them answer some of the geology questions, taught to them formally in the classroom, or used as the basis of a geology field trip.
Topics Covered
- DIRECTION: Using a compass Bearings, back bearings, triangulation
- SCALE: Use of a 1:10000 map
- DISTANCE: Measuring distances on a map and using the scale to determine distance on the ground. Calibrating pace lengths (how many paces = 100m) to determine distance straight from the ground.
- GRID REFERENCES: Understanding and determining six figure grid references from the map.
- RELIEF: Locating spot heights during the orienteering exercise, and using contour lines to draw a topographic cross section of the route taken.
Skills Required
Before embarking on either of these orienteering routes, pupils should be able to do the following:
- Take bearings
- Calculate back bearings
- Triangulate using back bearings
- Measure distances on a map
- Mark bearings on a map using a compass
- Use grid references
Maps of Hampstead Heath
The maps -3km x 3km sheet -can be purchased from the map and travel bookshop, Stanfords.
Disclaimer
The information contained on this website is believed to be correct at the time of posting. However, please bear in mind that alterations may be made to signposts, paths etc. on the Heath.
If you find that anything has changed in such a way as to affect the exercises provided here, please let us know.
Access
Hampstead Heath is maintained as a public open space by the Corporation of London and access to all areas required for these exercises is freely available to the general public. Please bear in mind, however, that some areas (e.g. S.S.S.I.s) are restricted; and you should take great care not to intrude into them.
Hazards
We have constructed these exercises so that possible hazards are minimized. However, please note that the Heath contains several large areas of open water, and at least one high level viaduct. Students should, therefore, be closely supervised; particular care should be taken to allow sufficient time to finish the exercises in daylight hours as the Heath may not be safe after dusk.
Contents:
Contents:
London Walks:
- Building London
- A Geological Walk in the City of London Cemetery - Audio Trail
- City of London Cemetery walk
- Geology of the British Library
- Graveyard Geology
- Green Chain Walk Geotrail
- Kensal Green Cemetery
- London’s Victorian Cemeteries
- Thames Path Geotrail
- The Buildings Bloomsbury
- UCL and Bloomsbury walk
- The St Pancras New Church
- New Buildings - Angel Islington
Fieldwork:
Resources:
Impact:
Public Engagement
Industry & Partnerships
Contact us:
Call: +44 (0)20 3108 6339
Email: earthsci@ucl.ac.uk