2. Topographic Maps A map that shows the surface features of Earth Shows the eL E v A Ti o n of an area –Height of an object above sea level

4. Topographic Map Features Natural Features –Rivers, lakes –Mountains Artificial (man made) features –Cities –Roads, bridges

6. Parts of a Topographic Map 1. Contour Lines A line that connects points of equal elevation Used to show features of the land Spacing of lines depends on slope of land –Close lines = steeper slope –Farther apart = gentle slope

10. Parts of a Topographic Map 2. Contour Interval The difference in elevation between one contour line to the next Stays the same throughout a map

12. Parts of a Topographic Map A darker, bolder contour line that indicates a change in elevation Usually found every fifth (5 th ) contour line 3. Index Contour

14. Reading Topographic Maps Features on Earth’s surface can be represented by colors –Blue = Water –Brown = contour lines –Green = wooded areas

15. Golden Rules of Topographic Maps 1.Contour lines never cross, all points on a line represent one elevation 2. Spacing of contour lines depends on steepness of slope 3. Tops of mountains or hills are shown by closed circles

16. Golden Rules of Topographic Maps (continued) 4. Contour lines that cross a valley or stream are V-shaped –The V points towards the area of highest elevation 5. Depressions have hash marks pointing towards the center

19. Let’s take a walk up a hill!

20. We’re now at an elevation of 100 meters. 100m

21. Let’s keep going! 100m

22. Now we’re at 200m. 100m 200m

23. Shall we march on? 100m 200m

24. We’ve made it to 300m! 100m 200m 300m

25. On to the peak! 100m 200m 300m

26. We’re on the peak, but what’s our elevation? 100m 200m 300m

27. Any ideas? 100m 200m 300m Let’s add contour lines for every 50 meters and see if that helps.

28. We know that we are above 350m, but less than 400m. 100m 200m 300m 50m 150m 250m 350m

29. 100m 200m 300m Let’s head down the hill, it’s getting late! 50m 150m 250m 350m

30. Now what’s our elevation? If you said somewhere between 200m and 250m you are right! 100m 200m 300m 50m 150m 250m 350m

31. Let’s try this again! 100m 200m 300m 50m 150m 250m 350m

32. What’s our elevation now? If you said 50m or just under, you’re right! 100m 200m 300m 50m 150m 250m 350m

33. Let’s now look at the same hill, but the way we might see it from an airplane!

34. Each color change represents a 50 meter increase.

35. Now, let’s try the same hike! Our elevation is 0 meters.

36. Now what is our elevation?

37. If you said more than 150 meters, but less than 200 meters your right!

38. Let’s go a little higher.

39. Think you know our elevation now? More than 300meters--But less than 350meters

40. If we were standing on the peak, what would be our elevation? More than 350 meters, less than 400 meters

41. Let’s head down hill.

42. Know our elevation?

43. More than 100 meters, less than 150 meters

45. Grab a piece of paper and write your answers to the following questions. Ready?

46. 1. Could the elevation at the peak (B) be 1410 meters? 2. What is the elevation at (E)? 3.What is the elevation difference between (A) & (B)? 4. Could the elevation at (F) be 417 meters? 5. If you walked a straight line from (D) to (C) would you walk over a ridge or down a valley? 6.Just looking at the map, would it be easier to head down from the peak going East, or going North?

47. 400m 800m 1000m 1200m A B C D E F 600m

48. 1.No :The elevation must be under 1400 meters, but over 1300 meters. 2. about 400 meters 3. (A) is probably close to the 750 meter line, (B) is above 1300 meters. The difference between the two would probably be 650 to 700 meters. 4. No: It must be more than 700 meters and less than 800 meters. 5. Down a valley: If the contour lines point up the slope it’s a valley, if they point down the slope it’s a ridge. 6. East: When contour lines are close together that means there is a steep slope, the further apart the lines, the more gentile the slope and therefore an easier walk! Go east!