1. Topographic maps and Contour Lines

2. What is Topography?  Understanding the surface, shape, and features of the earth  Geographers create topographic maps to showcase the land

6. What does a topographic map look like?

7. What is a Contour Line?  A contour line shows different heights on a map.  If the lines are close together then the land is very steep.  If the lines are far apart the land is relatively flat.  If there are no contour lines the land is completely flat.

8. What does this show us?

9. Contour Map Rules  Lines on a contour map start at sea level which is 0 degrees  Each line represents an equal change in elevation  Lines very RARELY cross  Base of elevation starts at 0 feet (assuming it’s at sea level)

10. Your Task Today…  Play with topography! What you need: Pencil Something to colour with (felts/pencil crayons) Card stock provided by the one and only Mrs. Lomax Play Dough YAY! Listening ears