Map Skills & Topography
What does a contour line represent on a topographic map?
A line connecting points of equal elevation.
What is the definition of urbanisation?
The increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas compared to rural areas.
What does “population density” measure?
The number of people living per square kilometre.
Name one environmental issue caused by large cities.
Air pollution, waste build-up, or habitat loss.
Which Australian state or territory has the lowest population density?
The Northern Territory.
If the contour interval is 20 m, what is the elevation difference between two adjacent contour lines?
20 metres.
Name one reason why people move from rural to urban areas.
To find jobs, better education, or access to healthcare.
Give one reason for Australia’s low population density.
Much of the land is arid or desert and unsuitable for settlement.
What is one way urban areas can reduce their carbon footprint?
Using renewable energy or improving public transport.
What is a “megacity”?
A city with a population of over 10 million people.
What compass direction is opposite to South-East?
North-West.
Give two positive and two negative impacts of urbanisation.
Positive: More services, more jobs.
Negative: Pollution, overcrowding.
Define “internal migration” and “international migration.”
Internal: Movement within a country.
International: Movement between countries.
Explain how increased urbanisation affects natural habitats.
Expands built-up areas, destroying ecosystems and biodiversity.
Which continent is most geographically isolated, leading to unique wildlife?
Australia
What type of map shows land elevation using colours and contour lines?
A topographic map.
Between 2016 and 2050, which country is projected to see the largest increase in urbanisation:
India, China, Madagascar, or Australia?
China (57% → 80%).
List two push factors and two pull factors for migration.
Push: Conflict, unemployment.
Pull: Better jobs, safety.
Describe a sustainable strategy cities could use to manage waste.
Recycling programs or converting waste into energy.
From which region do most overseas-born residents in the Northern Territory come?
Asia
If a topographic map shows closely spaced contour lines on the northern slope of a hill and widely spaced lines on the southern slope, which side is steeper, and why?
The northern slope is steeper because closely spaced contour lines indicate a greater change in elevation over a shorter distance.
Explain how rapid urban growth can contribute to environmental problems.
It increases air and water pollution, loss of green space, and waste production.
Compare forced and voluntary migration with examples.
Forced: Refugees fleeing war.
Voluntary: People moving for work or education.
Predict two long-term consequences if Australia’s urban areas continue to expand without sustainable planning.
Increased pollution and loss of farmland or green spaces.
Using population trends, describe what Australia’s age structure might look like in 2050.
An ageing population with fewer young people and more elderly citizens.