Topographic Maps Topo Maps Topographic maps show elevation

Topographic Maps

Topo Maps ► Topographic maps : § show elevation of the land using contour lines. § takes 3 D landscapes and represents them in a 2 D fashion. § have a variety of uses, from planning the best route for a hike to determining a location for a school or an airport.

Parts of a Topo Map ► Name of the Map ► Direction ► Latitude and Longitude ► Scale ► Contour Lines ► Contour Interval

Name of the Map ► Located at the top right of the map.

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

Latitude and Longitude ► Located on the edges of the map.

Scale ►A representative distance on the earth’s surface.

Contour Lines ► Lines of equal elevation ► THEY NEVER CROSS ► Close = steep surface. ► Spread apart = gentle surface

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

Earth Science Notes ► A. Topographic Maps § Shows the elevation of the land y using contour lines, and shows other natural and man-made features. S ► B. Contour line § Lines of equal elevation. ► Elevation – distance above sea level. ► Contour Interval - The change in elevation from contour line to another contour line. ► Index Contour Line – Thick contour line that gives elevation.

Earth Science Notes Depression Bench Mark – A point of known elevation from which all other points are measured. ► Spot elevation ► 1. contour interval ► 2. depression ► 3. index contour interval ► 4. 20 ft ► 5. 259 ft ► 6. east ► 7. closer together ► 8. ► ►