Topographic Maps

1.Mapping Earth’s Topography Mapmakers use contour lines to represent elevation, relief, and slope on topographic maps.

Steep vs. Gentle slopes Steep slopes: have contour lines that are close together. Gentle slopes: have contour lines that are farther apart.

Contour Line: connects points of equal elevation. Contour Interval: the change in elevation from contour line to contour line Index Contours: are labeled with elevation in round units

2. Reading a Topographic Map - Topographic Maps 2. Reading a Topographic Map To read a topographic map, you must familiarize yourself with the map’s scale and symbols and interpret the map’s contour lines.

< Mapping Elevation Data> - Topographic Maps < Mapping Elevation Data> The map shows the elevation data points on which the contour lines are based. Study the map and the map key, then answer the questions.

Mapping Elevation Data - Topographic Maps Mapping Elevation Data Reading Maps: What is the contour interval on this map? 100 feet

Mapping Elevation Data - Topographic Maps Mapping Elevation Data Reading Maps: What color are the lowest points on the map? What range of elevations do these points represent? Yellow; points below 1,200 feet.

Mapping Elevation Data - Topographic Maps Mapping Elevation Data Reading Maps: What color are the highest points on the map? What range of elevations do these points represent? Red; 1,500 feet or above.

Mapping Elevation Data - Topographic Maps Mapping Elevation Data Applying Concepts: What is the elevation of the contour line labeled A? 1,300 feet

Mapping Elevation Data - Topographic Maps Mapping Elevation Data Inferring: Is the area between B and C a ridge or a valley? How can you tell? Valley; contour lines curve uphill.

Mapping Elevation Data - Topographic Maps Mapping Elevation Data Interpreting Data: Describe how elevation changes along the trail from point D to point C. At point D, elevation is above 1,500 feet. It then decreases to about midway along the trail where elevation is less than 1,400 feet. Elevation then increases again to point C, which is above 1,500 feet.

3. Uses of Topographic Maps Topographic maps have many uses in science and engineering, business, government, and everyday life. <Q>Where would you build a shopping mall? On a flat area with highway access <Q>In which type of area would you build a ski resort? A hilly or mountainous area