Map Skills PAD3O

Scale Conversions (R.F. To Statement) Example 1 Representative Fraction Method (R.F.) – a method used for measuring distances on a map – R.F. = 1:100,000 (ie) 1 cm (on map) = 100,000cm (in real life) 1km = 100,000 cm 1 cm = 100,000/100,000 1 cm = 1 km Therefore, 1 cm on the map represents 1km in real life

Scale Conversions (R.F. To Statement) Example 2 Representative Fraction Method (R.F.) – a method used for measuring distances on a map – R.F. = 1: 19,000,000 (ie) 1 cm (on map) = 19,000,000cm (in real life) 1km = 100,000 cm 1 cm = 19,000,000/100,000 1 cm = 190 km Therefore, 1 cm on the map represents 190 km in real life

Measuring Distances on a Map 1) The R.F. Scale on a map is 1:12500000 2) 1 cm (on map) = 12500000 cm (in real life) 1 cm = 12500000/100000 1 cm = 125 km Therefore, 1 cm on the map represents 125 km in real life

Measuring Distances on a Map 3) The distance between point A and point B on the map is 6.5 cm when measured with a ruler. 1 cm = 125 km 6.5 cm x 125 km = 812.5 km Therefore, the real distance between point A and point B is 812.5 km

NOTE ********Distances by air are measured in a straight line, whereas distance by water, must follow the path of the water for their measurement. *********

What is a topographic map? Topographic (topo) maps present a wide range of information, making them useful to both professional and recreational map users.

Topo maps use contour lines to show changes in terrain and elevation, and are often overlayed with a wide variety of information, such as roads and streets, trails, land-use boundaries, tree and vegetation cover, and camping and hiking information to show how the lay of the land interacts with other natural and human-made features.

Topographic maps are used for outdoor activities, engineering, energy exploration, natural resource conservation, environmental management, public works design, and commercial and residential planning.

Topographic Map Basics Contour Lines Topographic maps use contour lines to portray the shape and elevation of the land. Contour lines are the curved, usually brown lines that connect points of equal elevation and make it possible for a topographic map to represent three-dimensional shapes on a two-dimensional surface.

The space between the contour lines represents a set distance, called the contour interval. If the contour interval is 80 feet, for example, the vertical distance between two adjacent contour lines is 80 feet.

Contour lines closer together on the map represent steeper terrain and lines farther apart represent flatter terrain.

The elevation, in feet or meters, is written on darker or thicker contour lines, known as “index” contour lines. The contour interval can usually be found near the scale, in the map legend.

Symbols Bench marks Spot Elevations Provide exact elevation of human made features Spot Elevations Shows elevation between contour lines

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