Mapping the World Topographic Maps Cartography is the

Mapping the World Topographic Maps

Cartography is the science of mapmaking.

Map Legend Topographic maps and most other maps include both human-made and natural features that are located on Earth’s surface. } These features are represented by different symbols. } A map legend explains what the symbols represent. }

Map Scale A map scale is the ratio between distances on a map and actual distances on the surface of Earth.

Graphic Scale } A graphic scale consists of a line that represents a certain distance, such as 5 km or 5 miles. Kidsgeo. com

Fractional scale } A fractional scale expresses distance as a ratio Kidsgeo. com

Verbal Scale } A verbal scale expresses distance as a statement, Kidsgeo. com

http: //www. mapwatch. com Topographic Map Shows surface features, or topography, of the earth } Show both natural and man made features }

Topography Lay of the land } How does the elevation change? }

Contour Lines Elevation on a topographic map is represented by a contour line. – A contour line connects points of equal elevation. – Elevation refers to the distance of a location above or below sea level. –

Contour lines can help you find the easiest route. Steep slope vs Gradual slope

Steep Slope! Gradual Slope http: //content. answers. com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/6/6 a/350 px. Topographic_map_example. png

Gradient Shows how quickly the value changes from one area to another. } Change in elevation divided by distance }

Rivers and Valleys Contour lines bend to form a “V” } “V” indicates a river or valley } “V” points upstream } http: //content. answers. com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/6/6 a/350 px. Topographic_map_example. png

Contour Intervals The contour interval is the difference in elevation between two side-by-side contour lines. – The contour interval is dependent on the terrain. – Stated at the bottom of maps –

http: //www 2. una. edu/geography/topo_maps/images/contour_interval. jpg

Index Contours Shown on a topo map by bold lines } Indicates the elevation of that line } Can be used to calculate the contour interval } https: //frontpage. northseattle. edu

Index Contours www. 2 una. edu

What is the contour interval of this map?

Between 10 and 20 =0 What is the elevation at point a? What is the elevation at point C?

What letter indicates an index contour? http: //raider. muc. edu/~mcnaugma/Topographic%20 Maps/contou 8. gif

What letter represents a contour interval? http: //raider. muc. edu/~mcnaugma/Topographic%20 Maps/contou 8. gif

What letter represents an elevation of 740? http: //raider. muc. edu/~mcnaugma/Topographic%20 Maps/contou 8. gif

South West Direction of slope? http: //raider. muc. edu/~mcnaugma/Topographic%20 Maps/contou 8. gif