Question 3.2: Mapwork Calculations

3.2.1 A cross-section of a landform has a horizontal scale of 1:50 000 and a
vertical scale of 1:20 000. Calculate the vertical exaggeration of this
cross-section. Show all your work. Use the formula below to assist you.
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𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = (5) 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒
ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒
3.2.2 Calculate the straight line distance between spot height 402 and spot
height 47 in block A1 of the topographic map in km. (DISTANCE-2,5 CM) (2)
3.2.3 Locate De Koppe Waterworks in block A4 of the topographic map. What
natural area is found to the South East of the waterworks? (2

1 answer

3.2.1 Vertical Exaggeration Calculation

To calculate the vertical exaggeration using the formula provided, we have:

\[ \text{Vertical Exaggeration} = \frac{\text{Vertical Scale}}{\text{Horizontal Scale}} \]

Given:

  • Vertical Scale = 1:20,000 (which corresponds to 20,000 horizontal units for every 1 vertical unit)
  • Horizontal Scale = 1:50,000 (which corresponds to 50,000 horizontal units for every 1 horizontal unit)

First, we need to express these scales as fractions:

  • Vertical Scale = 1/20000
  • Horizontal Scale = 1/50000

Now we use the formula:

\[ \text{Vertical Exaggeration} = \frac{(1/20000)}{(1/50000)} = \frac{50000}{20000} = 2.5 \]

So, the vertical exaggeration of the cross-section is 2.5.


3.2.2 Calculate Straight Line Distance

To calculate the straight-line distance between spot height 402 and spot height 47 that is 2.5 cm on the topographic map, we need to convert this measurement according to the scale of the map.

Assuming the scale of the map is 1:50,000, this means that:

1 cm on the map represents 50,000 cm in reality.

Now, to calculate the real distance in kilometers:

Distance on the map = 2.5 cm

Real distance = \( 2.5 , \text{cm} \times 50,000 , \text{cm/cm} = 125,000 , \text{cm} \)

Now, convert this to kilometers:

\[ 125,000 , \text{cm} = 125,000 / 100,000 = 1.25 , \text{km} \]

Therefore, the straight-line distance between spot height 402 and spot height 47 is 1.25 km.


3.2.3 Natural Area Southeast of De Koppe Waterworks

To determine the natural area found southeast of De Koppe Waterworks located in block A4, one would typically look at a topographic map in that area. Common natural areas might include forests, wetlands, rivers, or mountains.

Without the specific topographic map on hand, it is impossible to provide an exact answer, but typical answers might include:

  • A forest area
  • A river or stream
  • A valley

I recommend checking the map directly for the most accurate identification.