1. Table of Contents
Title: Topographic Maps
Page #: 19
Date: 9/26/2012

2. Objective
Students will be able to compare and contrast a topographic map with other maps.
Students will be able to calculate a gradient.

3. Word of the Day
Sea level: The level of the surface of the sea relative to land.
Elevation: The distance of a location above or below sea level.

4. Topographic Maps
Topographic Maps - Show changes in elevation of the earth’s surface: Hills, Valleys, Rivers, Mountains, etc.
Contour lines: Connect points of equal elevation on a topographic map.
** No 2 contour lines can ever cross**
That would mean 1 location had 2 elevations = impossible.
Lowest Elevation
Highest Elevation

5. Topographic Maps
Contour Interval - The difference in elevation between 2 side-by-side contour lines.
Size of interval depends on the terrain.
Steep terrain = Lines that are closer together = a steeper contour interval (measured in meters.)
Steep
Not so Steep

6. Topographic Maps Index Contours - Contour lines with labels on them
Depression Contour Lines - Represent descending elevations (Craters, holes, etc.)
They have hash marks on them.
100 m
50 m
50 m
100 m

7. Classwork
Page 37: Problem Solving Lab