Topographic MapsTopographic Maps

Topo MapsTopo Maps

►Topographic maps :Topographic maps :

show elevation of the land using contour show elevation of the land using contour lines.lines.

takes 3D landscapes and represents them takes 3D landscapes and represents them in a 2D fashion. in a 2D fashion.

have a variety of uses, from planning the have a variety of uses, from planning the best route for a hike to determining a best route for a hike to determining a location for a school or an airport.location for a school or an airport.

Parts of a Topo MapParts of a Topo Map

►Name of the MapName of the Map►Direction Direction ►Latitude and Longitude Latitude and Longitude ►ScaleScale► Contour Lines Contour Lines ►Contour Interval Contour Interval

Name of the MapName of the Map

►Located at the top Located at the top

right of the map.right of the map.

DirectionDirection

►Look for the north arrow.Look for the north arrow.►N E W SN E W S

Latitude and LongitudeLatitude and Longitude

►Located on the edges Located on the edges

of the map.of the map.

ScaleScale

►A representative A representative

distance on the earth’s distance on the earth’s

surface.surface.

Contour LinesContour Lines

►Lines of equal elevationLines of equal elevation►THEY NEVER CROSSTHEY NEVER CROSS►Close = steep surface.Close = steep surface.

►Spread apart = gentle surfaceSpread apart = gentle surface

Contour IntervalContour Interval

►The change in elevation from contour The change in elevation from contour line to another contour line. line to another contour line.

Earth Science NotesEarth Science Notes

► A. Topographic MapsA. Topographic Maps Shows the elevation of the land y using contour Shows the elevation of the land y using contour

lines, and shows other natural and man-made lines, and shows other natural and man-made features. Sfeatures. S

► B. Contour lineB. Contour line Lines of equal elevation.Lines of equal elevation.

► Elevation – distance above sea level.Elevation – distance above sea level.► Contour Interval - The change in elevation Contour Interval - The change in elevation

from contour line to another contour line. from contour line to another contour line. ► Index Contour Line – Thick contour line that Index Contour Line – Thick contour line that

gives elevation.gives elevation.

Earth Science NotesEarth Science Notes

► DepressionDepression► Bench Mark – A point of known elevation from Bench Mark – A point of known elevation from

which all other points are measured.which all other points are measured.► Spot elevationSpot elevation► 1. contour interval1. contour interval► 2. depression2. depression► 3. index contour interval3. index contour interval► 4. 20 ft4. 20 ft► 5. 259 ft5. 259 ft► 6.east6.east► 7.closer together7.closer together► 8.8.