SENIOR PHASE – SOCIAL SCIENCES

GRADE : 9

TERM 1 WORKBOOK GEOGRAPHY

TEACHER’S GUIDE

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 1 of 36

 Table of content
WEEK 1: Baseline Assessment
WEEK 2: 1:50 000
topographic maps:
Read map symbols to identify:
 Natural features on topographic maps
 Constructed features on topographic maps
WEEK 3:
 Height clues on topographic maps
 Concept of contour lines
 Steep and gentle slopes (description of gradient)
WEEK 4
Contour patterns showing river valleys, hills, mountains, ridges and
spurs
WEEK 5:
Contour patterns showing river valleys, hills, mountains, ridges and
spurs
WEEK 6:
 Scale and measuring distance on topographic maps
 Using line and ratio scales

WEEK 7:
Co-ordinates to locate features
WEEK 8:
 Vertical aerial photographs (review Grade 8)
 Orthophoto images made from aerial photographs

WEEK 9:
 How height is shown on orthophoto maps
 Contour lines on orthophoto maps: Identifying features
WEEK 10:
Revision & consolidation

Week 1

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 2 of 36

1.1 Refer to the map of the Eastern Cape below:

1.1.1 Name the towns found at each of the following sets of co-ordinates:
a) 32°10’S; 25°40’ E 1x2 2
Cradoc L2
b) 33°55’S; 25°40’E 1x2 2
L2
Port Elizabeth ( now Gqeberha) 
c) 31°40’ S; 28°40 ‘E 1x2 2
Mthatha  L2
1.1.2 Change the following word scales into ratio scales:
( a) 1cm represents 1km 1x2 2
1:100 000 L2
(b) 1cm represents 55km 1x2 2
1:5 500 000 L2
( c) 1cm represents 100m 1x2 2
1: 10 000  L2
1.1.3 On which line of longitude does South Africa base its time. 1x1 1
30°E  L1

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1.2 Define the following concepts:

(a) Time zone 1x2 2

Zone in a country where there is standard zone.  L2

(b) Equinox 1x2 2

Mid-spring and mid autumn day when there is 12 hours day and 12 L2
hours night. 

(c) Revolution 1x2 2

Movement of earh in an orbit around the sun once every 365 days.  L2

1.3 Give 4 ways of identifying a height on the map. 1x4 4

L1
Spot height
Trig beacon
Contour line
Bench mark

1.4 Explain how you can tell that the slopes in the area are very steep. 1x2 2
Contour lines are close together  L2

1.5 Explain the difference between a perennial river and non perenial river. 2x2 4
Perennial river is a river that flows throughout the year or over a long L2
period,  while non perennial river is the one that flows for a short
time and not throughout the year

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 4 of 36

Week 2 Topographical map ( Symbols)

2.1 Defination of concepts

a. Topographical Map
Topographical map entails both man-made and natural features 1x 2 2
L2
b. Natural features and man-made features
natural features are physical features found on a map 2x2 4
natural: are part of nature, perennial river/non perennial river
L2
man-made - constructed: features where natural landscape is changed
by people like row of trees,buildings,roads 

2.2 NATURAL AND CONSTRUCTED FEATURES

2.2 Draw and colour the symbols to show the following feature

a. A perennial river 1x2 2

L3
  Solid blue line on a map

b. Row of trees 1x 2 2
L3

  Green colour on a map

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2. 3 A topographical map of Johannesburg South

2.3 Study the following map and answer the questions below:

2.3.1 Give one natural features and man-made feature in block C 1 & 2 2 X1 2
L1
Natural: Nature reserve 
Man-made: Row of trees
2.3.2 Which feature can be used for entertainment in the southwest part of the 1 X1 1
map? L2
Klip Rivier Nature Reserve
Rietvlei river ANY RELEVANT
2.3.3 The drive -in theatre in block C 4 is used for what? 1x2 2
L3
The threatre is an outdoor cinema with a big screen for watching

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 6 of 36

 movies
2.3. 4 Between Rosenttenville and Murlbaton which area is an upmarket area 1+2 3
L3
Murlbaton is an upmarket as building are not the same with
Rosenttenville 
2. 3 .5 Identify type of a river is visible in Block B4, Give a reason for your answer 1+2 3
L3
A perennial river, because it has solid blue line which indicates it
flows throughout the year. 
2.3.6 Mention three ways of drawing conventional signs and give examples 6x1 6
L1
Point  - Hut
Line – A road
Area – Cultivated area. 

2.4 Colours used on the Topographical map

2.4.1 Mention four colours used and what they depict

Blue Colour – show anything dealing with water 1x2 2
L2
Green – Anything dealing with vegetation 1x2 2
L2
Brown colour- show landforms 1x2 2
L2
Red colour – Will show roads 1x2 2
L2

2.5 Study the following Topographical Map and answer the questions that follow:

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2.5.1 What type of farming is found in block E2
Cultivated land 1 x1 1
L1
2.5.2 Identify three constructed features in F3 1X3 3
L1
Railway Station,church, school, Post Office, Police Station, roads,
buildings and monument ANY THREE
2.5.3 Do we have a perennial or non-perennial river in G5? Motivate your answer 1+2 3
L3
A perennial river, because it has solid blue line which indicates it flows
throughout the year. 
2.5.4 Give the reason for the location of a Rifle-range in block G1 1x2 2
L3
Is on the outside due to noise
Outside to avoid accidents, people shot by accidents ANY RELEVANT

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2.5.5 Is the road shown on the map An Arterial or National road in E5 1 x1 1
L1
National road

Week 3

3 Contour lines
3.1 Underline the correct answer from those below: 1x1 1
Contour lines are lines on a map joining places of the same …
L1
A. Rainfall
B. Altitude
C. Cloud cover
D. Wind speed
3.2 Refer to the sketch below and answer the questions below:

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3.2.1 Distinguish the difference between the Index and Intermediate 2x2 4
Index contours :This are bold contours with height indicated on the
L2
map and it’s the fifthwhile
Intermediate Contours : Thin contour lines on the contour map
between the index

3.3 Steep and Gentle Slope

3.3 Refer to the contour pattern below and answer the questions that follow:

3.3.1. Explain the difference between the TWO slopes above? 1x2 2
L2
Steepe slope – Contour lines are close to each other and
Gentle/ Gradual Slope – Contorlines are far apart
3.3.2 What does the numbers on the contour lines represent? 1x1 1
L1
Height/ altitude height above sea level
3.3.3 Height on the map is measured in centimetre. True or False, if it is false, 1x2 2
what is the units used to measure height on the map L2
False, metres
3.3.4 Define the concept Contour interval 2x1 2
L2
It is the between two consecutive contour difference lines

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3.3.5 What is the contour interval of the contour map above? 1x1 1
L1
20 metres

3.4 Height clues on the Topographical map

3.4.1 In the table form list 4(FOUR) elements that are used to indicate height on the 1x8 8
map and draw the sign to identify them on the map L3

Height element Sign to identfy height

1 Contour lines

2 Spot height

3 Trig beacon

4 Bench mark

3.5 Refer to the map below and answer the questions:

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3.5.1 Indicate the height of the trig beacon on the map above. 1x1 1
L1
877.9 metres
3.5.2 There is a number 72 on the right of the trig beacon. What does that number 1x1 1
represents? L1
It identifies the trig beacon is number 72 on this map
3.6 Refer to the map below and answer the questions:

3.6.1 How can you explain the concept Bench mark on the map? 1x2 2
L2
It’s a small arrow pointed to the recorded height along the roads
3.6.2 Write down the two heights recorded along the National Road as pointed by the 2x1 2
bench marks. L1
a. 76.0 metres
b. 134.1 metres

3.7 Refer to the map below and answer the questions:

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 12 of 36

3.7.1 Looking on the map above, what is the spot height in block B9 1x1 1
L1
Spot height 1319 metres 

3.7.2 Give the grid reference of the spot height .1621 1x1 1
L1
E11

Week 4: Contour patterns showing river valleys, hills, mountains, ridges, and spurs

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 13 of 36

4.1 Study the Topographic Map of Makhado and answer the questions that follow:
Map 2329BB Makhado

1 In which province is Makhado situated? 1x1 1

Limpopo Province L1
2 What does 23 and 29 represent? 2x1 2
L1
23: Latitudeand 29 Longitude
3 Describe the slope at spotheight 1060 1x1 1
Steep slope L1
4 Describe how will you recognise a spur? 1x2 2
L2
A spur is recognised when the “V”shape of the contours points to the
lowest area or down the slope. 
5 Will any agricultural activities take place in the area or slope identified in 3x1 3
Question 3? Motivate your answer.
L3
No, because of the steep slopes. 
6 Use the picture below to draw a simple profile(cross view) and indicate flow 3x1 3

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 of a river. L3

1 mark for the valley

1 mark for the arrow
1 mark for the blue line indicating flow

7 Describe the slope at spotheight 890.(Refer to Makhado map) 1x1 1 L1

Gentle or low lying area.

Week 5: Contour patterns showing river valleys, hills, mountains, ridges, and
spurs

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 15 of 36

5.1 Study Map F and answer the questions that follow:

5.1.1 What is the height at B? 1x1 1

±610 m√ L1
5.1.2 What is the height at D? 1x1 1
L1
720-725 m
5.1.3 What is the height at trig beacon 113? 1x1 1
601 m L1
5.1.4 What type of activity is taking place in the block labelled C? 1x1 1
Cultivated land L1
5.1.5 In which general direction is the river flowing? 1x2 2
SW L2
5.1.6 Identify the converntional signs at 2x1 2
E Windmill and F Buildings L1

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Week 7: CO-ORDINATES TO LOCATE FEATURES

7.1 Refer to the followng extract from the 1: 50 000 map of Kimberly and answer the
questions below:

7.1.1 List all grid squares covered mostly with settlements. 3x1 3
L1
K5 , K6 and J6 

7.1.2 What is the height of the Trig beacon in block H9 1x1 1

L1
1257 m 

7.1.3 Give the co-ordinates of the following:

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 17 of 36

 a) School in block K5 2x2 4
28044’ S 24047’ E  ALWAYS LATITUDE FIRST L2

b) Spot height in block G9. 2x2 4

28043’ S 24049’ E  ALWAYS LATITUDE FIRST L2

c) Reservoir in block G7 2x2 4

28043’ S 24048’ E  ALWAYS LATITUDE FIRST L2

7.1.4 Identify the method/way of showing a height on topographic map found at 2x1 2
H6 . What is the height on the feature? L2

Spot height 1217 m

7.1.5 ‘Kimberly has characteristics of a mining area.” Give the evidence by 2x1 2
identifying TWO constructed features in block J5 to support the statement. L2

Conveyor Belt and Mine dump

7.2 Co-ordinates to locate

Refer to the 2528 CB SIVERTON

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7.2.1 Give the co-ordinates of the Church in B2. 2x2 4
L2
25042’S 28015’E ALWAYS LATITUDE FIRST

7.2.2 What constructed feature is found at approximately 25042’ S 28017’ E? 1x2 2

L2
Recreational Area

7.2.3 What is the name of the railway station found in E4? 1x2 2
L2
Koedoespoort Station

7.2.4 Give the alpha numeric co-ordinates for the Pretoria Experimental Farm. 1x2 2
L2
G1

7.2.5 Give the latitude and longitude in degrees and minutes of the spot height in 2x2 4

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 A6. L2

25041’S 28018’E

ALWAYS LATITUDE FIRST

7.3 Study the topographic map showing the area around Zoo Lake Johannesburg and answer
the question below:

7.3.1 Name the constructed water feature in block B1. 1x1 1

L2
Emmarentia Dam

7.3.2 Between which lines of latitudes is St John’s College located? 1x2 2

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 20 of 36

 260 10’S and 26011’ S ALWAYS LATITUDE FIRST L2

7.3.3 Identify THREE suburbs found in block A3. 1x3 3

L1
Rosebank, Melrose and Dunkeld

7.3.4 Which historical landmark is constructed in block B3? 1x1 1

L2
War Museum

7.3.5 Identify the block with highest number of Schools and say how many 2x2 4
schools are found in the block. L2

C4  9 schools

WEEK 8 VERTICAL AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS

8.1 Say whether the following sentences are True or False

8.1.1 A photograph is a picture produced from a camera. True 1x1 (1)

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 L1
8.1.2 Types of photographs are horizontal or terrestrial photographs and vertical 1x1 (1)
and oblique aerial photographs. True L1
8.1.3 Horizontal photographs show parts of the land as seen from a horizontal 1x1 (1)
point of view. True L1
8.1.4 Objects in the foreground of the photograph seem bigger because they are 1x1 (1)
closer to the camera lens. True L1
8.1.5 Behind the objects on foreground of the photograph, there will be areas that 1x1 (1)
are not visible at all. True L1
8.1.6 Vertical photographs are taken from high mountains, buildings or aeroplanes 1x1 (1)
with a camera that is held at an angle to photograph something below. True L1

8.1.7 In a vertical photograph some ground is hidden. False 1x1 (1)

L1
8.1.8 Form, texture, size and shadow can be used in identifying features on the 1x1 (1)
orthophoto map. True L1
8.1.9 Orthophoto maps are drawn using the information from the topographic and 1x1 (1)
aerial photographs. True L1
8.1.10 Vertical photographs do not show exactly how features appear. False 1x1 (1)
L1

8.2 Fill in the missing words:

a) The other name for a horizontal photograph is --------- 1x1 (1)
Terrestrial
L2
(b) In the --------- photograph, the layout of roads and railways 1x1 (1)
is clear. Aerial  L2
c) The types of aerial photographs are --------- and ------------ 2x1 (2)
Vertical and oblique L2
(d) Vertical photographs are used as the basis when ---------- 1x1 (1)
are drawn. Topographic maps L2

8.3 Define the following concepts:

a) Photograph 1x2 (2)
L2

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 22 of 36

 A photograph is a picture produced from a camera. 
b) Orthophoto map 1x2 (2)
An orthophoto map is a combined aerial photograph and L2
topographic map with natural and cultural features that are in their
true images. 
c) Texture 1x2 (2)
Texture describes the roughness or smoothness of features.  L2
d) Tone 1x2 (2)
Tone refers to lightness and darkness or the shades in the image.  L2
e) Aerial photograph 1x2 (2)
Is the photograph when camera is mounted in the aeroplane, high L2
building, top of the mountain. 

8.4 Refer to the source below and answer questions set:

8.4.1 Name the THREE photographs taken from this site 3x1 (3)
Horizontal, oblique and vertical aerial photographs
L1
8.4.2 Explain why the TWO photographs are referred to as aerial. 2x2 (4)
Because the were taken from the air/ camera mounted on an
L2
aeroplane
8.4.3 Mention any 2 advantages of vertical aerial photograph 2x2 (4)
It shows all features exactly as they appear from above. 
L1
There is no hidden ground. 
The layout of roads and railways is clear
ANY TWO

8.4.4 Provide ONE disadvantage of an oblique aerial photograph 1x2 (2)

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 Features closer to the camera appear bigger than those further away L1

8.5 Refer to maps of Harrismith below and answer the following questions:

GDE Workbook Grade 9 Term 1 Geography Teacher Guide Page 24 of 36

8.5.1 Identify the type of this map 1x1 (1)
Orthophoto
L1
8.5.2 Provide the scale of this map 1x1 (1)
1: 10 000
L1
8.5.3 What is the recreation feature marked 1 1x1 (1)
L1

Golf course

Refer to the Source below and answer Questions 8.5.4- 8.5.6

8.5.4 Identify slope2 and 3 2x1 (2)

2 is a gentle slope
L1
3 is a steep slope
8.5.5 Define the gentle and steep slope 2x2 (4)
(a) Gentle slope – contours are far apart

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 (b) Steep slope contours are close together L2
8.5.6 From the source above identify 2 features which indicate height 2x1 (2)
Spot height  L1
Contour lines

8.5.7 Refer to the area of Wilgerpark and answer the questions set:

(a) Identify the land use at Wilgerpark 1x1 (1)

Residential 
L1
(b) Is the area steep or gentle, provide evidence from the map 1+2 (3)
Gentle- contour lines are far apart+ L2
(c) Provide evidence from the map that the area has electricity 1x2 (2)
Power lines
L2
(d) Identify the road north of Wilgepark 1x1 (1)
National road
L1

Week 9 HOW HEIGHT IS SHOWN ON ORTHOPHOTO MAPS

9.1 Refer to the same source and answer the questions set:

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9.1.1 Which place is higher than the other between spot height .1656 and 1x1 (1)
contour line 1640
L1
.1656

9.1.2 Differentiate between spot height 1625 and 1656 2x2 (4)
1622 -is in a low-lying area and flat areas
L2
1656 – is in a high lying area and steeper than in 1622

9.2 CONTOUR LINES ON ORTHOPHOTO MAPS: IDENTIFYING FEATURES

9.2.1 Identify the slope on the area south west of Wilgerpark 1x1 1
Steep 
L1
9.2.2 Provide a reason for your answer above 1x2 2
Contour lines are close together 
L2

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9.2.3 What is the contour interval indicated in Wilgerpark 1x1 1
5m
L1
9.2.4 How is the slope north of Wilgerpark 1x1 1
Gentle
L1

Week 10 Latitudes and Longitudes

10.1 Look at the figure below in order to answer the questions that follow.

Choose the correct word from options provided:

10.1.1 Latitudes / Longitudes are known as parallel arcs. They are horizontal 1x1 1
lines that travel from east to west or vice versa. L1

Latitudes
10.1.2 Latitudes / Longitudes are also called meridians. They are vertical lines 1x1 1
that travel from the north to south or vice versa L1

Longitudes

10.1.3 The Greenwich meridian / Equator is the starting point for all latitudes 1x1 1
L1

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 Equator
10.1.4 Coordinates / Degrees are the meeting points of latitudes and longitudes. 1x1 1
L1
Coordinates
10.1.5 Minutes / Degrees are the biggest units, they start at 0° equator or 1x1 1
Greenwich meridian and end either at 90° for latitude or 180° for longitude L1

Degrees

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10.2 Use the map of Tafelberg below to answer the questions that follow.
Scale = 1:50 000

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10.2.1 Spot height 1222 (C1) and Spot height 1255 (E1) 3x1 3
L3
Measure the distance between the following points in kilometres (km)

Distance in cm = 5,1 cm
5,1cm x 50 000
= 255 000cm
= 255 000cm ÷ 100 000 cm
= 2.55 km
OR
Distance in cm = 5,1cm
5,1cm x 0,5
= 2.55 km
RANGE 4.9cm-5.3cm PLEASE CHECK THE MAPS
10.2.2 Spot height 1406 (D3) and trig beacon 65 (F3) 3x1 3
Measure the distance between the following points in kilometres (km): L3
Distance in cm = 7,2 cm
7,2 cm x 50 000
= 360 000cm ÷ 100 000cm
= 3,6 km
OR
Distance in cm = 7,2 cm
7,2 cm x 0,5
= 3,6 km
RANGE 7cm-7.4cm PLEASE CHECK THE MAPS
10.2.3 Spot height 1150 (E5) and Spot height 1170 (F5) 3x1 3
Measure the distance between the following points and leave your answer in L3
metres (m)
Distance in cm = 5,2 cm

5,2 cm x 500

= 2600 km

Because 1000m = 1km

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 ∴ 2,6 km = 2600m

RANGE 5cm-5,4cm PLEASE CHECK THE MAPS

10.2.4 Give the direction from trig beacon 194 (F3) to spot height 1208 (G4)

SE

10.2.5 Give the direction to the windmill in A3 from spot height 1155 (B5) 1x1 1
L1
NW

10.3 Refer to the image below in order to answer the questions that follow.

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 Figure 10.3A and Figure 10.3B

Figure 10.3B

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10.3.1 What is the map in Figure 10.3A known as? 1x2 2
Topographic map L2

10.3.2 Give possible ratio scale for Figure 10.3B and the word scale 2x1 2
1:50 000  L2
One cm or any unit of measurement on the map represents fifty
thousand cm on the ground. 
10.3.3 Between the two maps, which one has a smaller scale? Explain your 1+2 3
answer. L2
The topographic map has a smaller scale reason being that the
bigger the area covered on a map, the smaller the scale. (Or any
other reason that is content related)

10.3.4 Identify two natural features on Figure 10.3B 2x1 2

Hills, trees, forest ANY TWO L1

10.3.5 Which figure provides the most information? Give reasons for your answer. 1+2 3
Figure 10.3B gives us more information because it is more detailed L2
compared to Figure 10.3A.  Figure 10.3A is made us of keys or
symbols and it is not realistic whereas Figure 10.3B is an image of the
area itself (Vertical aerial photograph). 

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