By working through previous IEB examination papers, it becomes evident that certain questions consistently appear in the Mapwork section. The examinations make use of 1:50 000 topographic maps, which are produced using the Gauss Conformal Projection. The central meridian used for the projection is also indicated on the topographic map.
Distance, gradient, and time calculations are regularly assessed, and candidates should expect to encounter magnetic bearing calculations. It is essential to understand how altitude is represented on a topographic map through contour lines (with a contour interval of 20 m), spot heights, trigonometrical beacons, and benchmarks. This knowledge is necessary for calculating gradients, identifying the highest points on a map, and describing the general relief and elevation of an area.
The orthophoto map has a scale that is five times larger than that of the topographic map. A scale of 1:10 000 is regarded as a large scale, while a scale of 1:50 000 is considered a small scale.
Formal cross-sections are seldom examined, as they are time-consuming to construct. However, sketch cross-sections are frequently required. A sketch cross-section is a freehand representation of the landscape as it appears on a photograph and should not be drawn as a precise graph.
Settlement-related questions are common and often focus on the types of rural settlements, such as isolated and nucleated settlements, as well as farming activities, including intensive and extensive farming. Learners should also be able to identify and explain the location of various land-use zones, including the Central Business District (CBD), the rural–urban fringe, and industrial areas.
In the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) section, learners are often required to suggest appropriate themes or layers that could be used in a presentation about a specific area. A thorough understanding of GIS concepts and terminology is therefore essential for success.
