1. Map Notes As we go through the power point, please do the following:
Take notes on your notes page.
Label your map on your notes page.
Images:
Composition Book:
Topographic Map Example: Courtesy of the US Geological Survey
Notepad and pencil:

2. Topography
The study of the shapes and features of the Earth’s surface.

3. Topographic Map
Shows the three dimensional shape and elevations of an area of land in two dimensions

4. Elevation
Height above sea level

5. Label the contour lines on your map.
Line that connects places on a topographic map that are all at the same elevation (eventually a closed loop). Contour lines never cross or touch!
Label the contour lines on your map.
Contour line

6. Label the contour line interval on your map.
The vertical difference in elevation between neighboring contour lines
Label the contour line interval on your map.
contour line interval

7. Relief
The difference between the highest elevation point and the lowest elevation point on a map
200
300
400
Units = feet
What is the relief of this map?
What is the contour interval of this map?

8. Topographic Map Rules
Contour lines are closely spaced on steep slopes.
Contour lines are widely spaced on gentle slopes.

9. Topographic Map Rules
Where a contour line crosses a stream or valley, the contour line bends to form a “V” that points upstream. In the upstream direction, the successive contours represent higher elevations.
It is important to remember that they point in the opposite direction as the flow of water.

10. Topographic Map Rules
Contour lines near the top of a hill form closed, circular shapes. The top of the hill is higher than the highest closed contour line.

11. Reading a Topographic Map

12. Reading a Topographic Map

13. Reading a Topographic Map

14. Reading a Topographic Map