Aim: How do we read Topographic Maps?

Do Now: In your notes, list all the different types of landforms/features of Earth that you can think of.

Example: Hills

1) Topography:

The shape of the land.

K2, PakistanNapa Valley, California

Grand Canyon, Arizona

I. Vocabulary

2) Topographic Maps: • Represent the shape of the land on a

flat piece of paper.

• Isolines represent different elevations on a topographic map.

• Each isoline connects values that are equal.“iso” means equal

m

mm

mm

3) Altitude

The height above sea-level or above a specific point on a map.

What value is sea-level?

Get the Altitude worksheet from the back of the room. You and your partner should work on this worksheet together. We will go over it

in 10-15 min.

a) Index Contour Lines: darker lines that are labeled with their elevation.

Index contour lines

II. Parts of Topographic maps:

Using the index contour lines, determine the value of the lines in

between.

b) Contour Interval:• The measurement that separates

each contour line.• They are a vertical measurement.

c) Hachure marks: refer to a drop in elevation. Indicates a depression in the ground.

d) Bench mark: shows the exact elevation at that point.

Copy diagram into notes

Closer contour lines = steep slopes.

Further contour lines = gradual slopes.

e) Gradient• Refers to the steepness of the land (slope)

Which side of the hill is the steepest?

WHY?N

upstream

downstream

When a river or stream crosses a contour line, the contour line bends and points upstream.

F) River and Streams

• Upstream is where the river starts.

• Downstream is where the river ends.

G) The highest possible point on a contour map will always be one unit less than the next possible contour line.

Contour Interval = 10 m

X 10 m

What is the highest possible

value of X?

ClosureObtain the worksheet called “Reading a

Topographic Map” from the back table and complete the worksheet. We will go

over it when finished.