Introduction Introduction to to

TopographyTopographyIntro Video Clip

Topographic Map shows Topographic Map shows the shape, or features, of the shape, or features, of

the land.the land.

Scientists use satellite imagery Scientists use satellite imagery and aerial photography to create and aerial photography to create

the topographic maps.the topographic maps.

Satellite ImagerySatellite Imagery One satellite used to examine Charleston is One satellite used to examine Charleston is

called the Landsat 7.called the Landsat 7.

GPS

Scientists identify specific features of the Scientists identify specific features of the land by the combination of land by the combination of colorscolors and and shapesshapes the feature makes on the satellite the feature makes on the satellite image or aerial photograph. image or aerial photograph.

Satellite Image of Hawaii Aerial Photo of Hawaii

What is the difference between dark green and red areas?

On a topographic map features can be:On a topographic map features can be:

Geologic:Geologic: Man made: Man made:

MountainsMountains SchoolsSchools

RiversRivers RoadsRoads

ForestsForests Railroad Railroad StationsStations

What is “elevation”?What is “elevation”?

The height above The height above sea level.sea level.

What is Mount What is Mount Everest’s elevation?Everest’s elevation?

That’s equal to 29,029 feet!

Almost 5 ½ miles tall!

To read a topographic map, you To read a topographic map, you must understand the symbols.must understand the symbols.

Contour Lines- How elevation is shown on a topographic map.Contour Intervals- The change in elevation between the contour lines.

Index Contours- Lines labeled with their elevation.

Contour IntervalsContour Intervals Contour intervals can be Contour intervals can be

different only on different only on differentdifferent maps.maps.

How do you find the How do you find the contour interval?contour interval?

Count the Count the spaces spaces between between the index contours. (10)the index contours. (10)

Divide the change in Divide the change in elevation by the number of elevation by the number of spaces. (100/10)spaces. (100/10) The answer (10) is The answer (10) is

your contour interval!your contour interval!

Let’s practice…Let’s practice…

What is the What is the contour contour interval for interval for this map?this map?

100/5= 20 m

SlopeSlope

Where the slopes Where the slopes are are steepersteeper, the , the contour lines are contour lines are closercloser together! together!

Where the slopes Where the slopes are more are more gentlegentle, the , the contours lines are contours lines are furtherfurther apart! apart!

The steepness of the land.

On a topography map, there are rules!On a topography map, there are rules!

1. Contour lines never cross each 1. Contour lines never cross each other.other.

2. Closed loops show highest and 2. Closed loops show highest and lowest points.lowest points.

3. The contour interval remains the 3. The contour interval remains the same on a map.same on a map.

4. Index contour lines mark 4. Index contour lines mark elevations.elevations.

Real Life Topographic Real Life Topographic MapMap

Mount Everest

Cross Section

Then, try to create a simple topography map of this landscape.

Sketch this mountain’s “cross-section” in the real life drawing section.

South Carolina Landform RegionsSouth Carolina Landform Regions

South Carolina TopographySouth Carolina Topography

How to make a cross-section…How to make a cross-section…