1. Mapping Earth’s Surface
Topographic maps and satellite images

2. How do topographic maps show Earth’s features?
A topographic map is a map showing the surface features of an area
They provide information on elevation, relief, and slope of the ground
How do topographic maps show Earth’s features?

3. Reading Contour Lines
Topographic maps show Earth’s featured by using contour lines and a contour interval
A contour line connects points of equal elevation on the map area
The change in elevation from one contour line to the next is called the contour interval
The contour interval for a given map is always the same

4. An index contour line is darker than the others, like a bold line

5. When will I ever use this?
You can use a topographic map to identify land features and erosional features
To find the elevation of a feature, find the nearest index contour
Then, count the number of contour lines up or down to the feature
When will I ever use this?

6. What can the contour lines tell you?
Closely spaced contour lines indicate steep slopes
Widely spaced contour lines indicate gently slopes or flat land
A contour line that forms a loop, with no lines inside it, is a hill or mountain top
A closed loop with dashes inside of it indicates a depression, or hollow in the ground
What can the contour lines tell you?

7. How do satellite views show Earth’s features?
Satellite views shoe Earth’s land features with a combination of color and shading
Shading allows mountains to look like they rise off of the page
A lack of shading indicates flat plains
How do satellite views show Earth’s features?

8. Erosional features such as valleys and canyons are shaded darker than the surrounding areas
A depositional feature, such as a delta, looks like a bulb at the mouth of the river, emptying into another body of water
Erosional Features