AQA · A-Level · Geography

    Course version: 7037 · Version from Sept 2018

    Cartographic skills: Atlas maps.

    Atlas maps are small-scale representations of large areas, such as countries or continents, used to identify spatial patterns, distributions, and relationships on a macro level.

    Checked against the AQA 7037 specification (opens in a new tab) on .

    • Point 1 of 5
    • 3 key terms

    Study notes

    From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.

    The idea

    Atlas maps are small-scale representations of large areas, such as countries or continents, used to identify spatial patterns, distributions, and relationships on a macro level. They often employ choropleth, thematic, or physical mapping techniques to display data like population density, climate zones, or topography. For example, when analysing a global atlas map of tectonic plate boundaries, you should cross-reference the physical features with thematic data to explain the distribution of earthquake hazards. Understanding the projection used is also vital, as some distort area or shape, impacting spatial analysis.

    What earns the marks

    • Accurately extract and interpret data from thematic atlas maps using the provided key or legend.
    • Identify and describe macro-scale spatial patterns, such as global population distribution or biome locations.
    • Use lines of latitude and longitude to provide precise geographical locations for observed features.
    • Synthesise information from multiple atlas maps, such as physical and political maps, to explain geographical relationships.

    Common mistakes and how to put them right

    • Ignoring the map scale when estimating distances.

      Put it right: Check the specific scale bar as atlas maps vary significantly in scale.

    • Failing to account for map projection distortions.

      Put it right: Projections like Mercator exaggerate the size of landmasses near the poles.

    • Describing patterns vaguely without using specific geographical terminology.

      Put it right: Use compass directions, continents, and coordinates to anchor descriptions.

    Exam tips

    • Always read the title and key of the atlas map first to understand exactly what variable is being shown.
    • When asked to describe a distribution, look for anomalies or outliers as well as the general pattern.
    • Cross-reference physical atlas maps with thematic ones to find explanatory factors for human geography patterns.

    Try the lesson

    The start of the Cartographic skills: Atlas maps. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.

    Have a go first

    Which of the following is a defining characteristic of most general reference atlas maps compared to Ordnance Survey Explorer maps?

    Listen

    Atlas maps are small-scale representations of large areas, such as countries or continents, used to identify spatial patterns, distributions, and relationships on a macro level. They often employ choropleth, thematic, or physical mapping techniques to display data like population density, climate zones, or topography. For example, when analysing a global atlas map of tectonic plate boundaries, you should cross-reference the physical features with thematic data to explain the distribution of earthquake hazards. Understanding the projection used is also vital, as some distort area or shape, impacting spatial analysis. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Accurately extract and interpret data from thematic atlas maps using the provided key or legend. Identify and describe macro-scale spatial patterns, such as global population distribution or biome locations. Use lines of latitude and longitude to provide precise geographical locations for observed features. Synthesise information from multiple atlas maps, such as physical and political maps, to explain geographical relationships. Exam tip: Always read the title and key of the atlas map first to understand exactly what variable is being shown.

    See it

    A top-down flowchart. The top node reads "Atlas maps: small-scale representations of large areas". Three arrows lead from it to three nodes: "Identify spatial patterns, distributions and relationships at a macro level", "Mapping techniques: choropleth, thematic or physical", and "Interpret using legend, scale and lines of latitude and longitude". From the interpretation node, two arrows lead to "Check the scale bar, as atlas maps vary significantly in scale" and "Account for projection distortions, which can distort area or shape". From the mapping techniques node, an arrow leads to "Cross-reference physical features with thematic data", which leads to a final node, "Explain distributions, such as earthquake hazards".
    How atlas maps are interpreted, from their small-scale nature through mapping techniques and interpretation tools to cross-referencing data.

    Key words

    Say what each word means before you turn the card.

    Spatial distribution

    Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.

    Scale

    Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.

    Geographical relationships

    Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.

    See every definition
    Spatial distribution
    The arrangement of features or data shown on a map, which atlas maps are used to identify at a macro level.
    Scale
    A property of atlas maps, which are small-scale representations of large areas such as countries or continents, and which must be checked as atlas maps vary significantly.
    Geographical relationships
    Links between features that can be explained by synthesising information from multiple atlas maps, such as physical and political maps.

    Label the diagram

    Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.

    The diagram again, with 3 boxes numbered instead of named. A top-down flowchart. The top node reads "Atlas maps: small-scale representations of large areas". Three arrows lead from it to three nodes: "Identify spatial patterns, distributions and relationships at a macro level", "Mapping techniques: choropleth, thematic or physical", and "Interpret using legend, scale and lines of latitude and longitude". From the interpretation node, two arrows lead to "Check the scale bar, as atlas maps vary significantly in scale" and "Account for projection distortions, which can distort area or shape". From the mapping techniques node, an arrow leads to "Cross-reference physical features with thematic data", which leads to a final node, "Explain distributions, such as earthquake hazards".

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    • 3Box 3

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