What are the differences between a topographic map and a road map? Warm Up What are the differences between a topographic map and a road map?

Warm Up What activity or assignment have you enjoyed the most so far in science and why?

Warm Up What types of activities can you plan using a topographic map?

How do we map topography?

Topography Topography – the shape of the land Topography is determined by: Elevation – the height above sea level of a point on Earth’s surface Relief – the difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points of an area Landforms – a feature formed by the processes that shape the Earth

Types of Landforms Plain – low elevation and low relief Mountain – high elevation and high relief Plateau – high elevation with a mostly level surface

Topographic Maps Shows the features (both natural and human made) of an area as if you were looking down on them from the air Provide highly accurate information on the elevation, relief, and slope of the ground surface Large scale – most are very detailed at 1:24,000 0r 1cm=.24 km

Topographic Maps Symbols – there are many symbols that give information about the topography Contour lines – connect areas of equal elevation Contour interval – the change in elevation from contour line to contour line Depression – a closed loop with lines pointing inward