TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS Key Vocabulary Topographic Map Contour Line

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS Key Vocabulary: -Topographic Map -Contour Line -Cardinal Direction -Contour Interval -Longitude -Slope -Latitude -Relief -Elevation

What is a map? Map: a flat representation of earth’s surface Maps include 4 main features: 1. Title: tells us what the map shows 2. Scale: shows us what the distance is in real life 3. Legend: identifies symbols on a map 4. Compass rose: shows directions on a map

topography – the shape of the land that includes the area’s elevation, relief, and landforms elevation – the height above sea level of a point on Earth’s surface relief – the difference in elevation between the highest and lowest parts of an area landform – a feature of topography, such as a hill or valley, formed by the processes that shape Earth’s surface.

Maps and globes are drawn to scale and use symbols to represent topography and other features on Earth’s surface. scale – relates distance on a map to a distance on Earth’s surface symbols – used by mapmakers and can be shapes or pictures to stand for features on Earth’s surface; can stand for a physical feature or a man-made feature

What are the cardinal directions? Cardinal directions: North, South, East, West N E W S

What are the intermediate directions? Cardinal directions: Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest NW SW NE SE

equator – an imaginary line between the North and South Poles dividing the Earth into Northern and Southern hemispheres prime meridian – imaginary line connecting North and South poles dividing Earth into Western and Eastern hemispheres

Lines of latitude and longitude are used to find location on Earth latitude – distance in degrees north or south of the equator longitude – distance in degrees east and west of prime meridian

What is a topographic map? Topographic map: a two-dimensional way of showing a three-dimensional image of Earth’s elevations



Before eruption


After eruption

• contour lines – represent elevation, relief and slope and connect points of equal elevation • contour intervals – change in elevation from one contour line to another

Contour lines close together indicate a steep slope. Widely separated contour lines indicate a gentle slope

What are the features of topographic maps? • Relief: the difference in elevation between 2 points • Higher elevation – lower elevation = relief

Final Exam The diagram below represents a portion of a contour map. Which of the following best describes the physical feature represented by this contour map? A. a flood plain with creeks and streams B. a valley with two gently sloping sides C. a hill with slopes that vary in steepness D. a series of rivers flowing in concentric circles

Final Exam The diagram below represents a portion of a contour map. Which of the following best describes the physical feature represented by this contour map? A. a flood plain with creeks and streams B. a valley with two gently sloping sides C. a hill with slopes that vary in steepness D. a series of rivers flowing in concentric circles

• Drawing your own topographic map • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=i. Yon. S 6 w. CBw
- Slides: 20