Topographic Maps

Bell Ringer

Draw a Map of the Mountain of play-doh located in the front of the classroom.

Bell Ringer Follow up

Topographic Maps

Topographic Map – is a map that shows surface features, or topography of the earth.› Show natural features

Rivers, lakes, and mountains› Features made by humans

Bridges, roads, and cities.› Elevation

The height of an object above sea level.

Elements of Elevation

United States Geological Survey (USGS) – a federal government agency responsible for making the majority of topographic maps for the United States.

Contour Lines

Contour lines are lines that are used to show elevation.› Connect points of equal elevation.› The spacing between contour lines indicate

slope and the closer the lines are together the steeper the slope.

Contour Interval

Contour Interval – the difference in elevation between one contour line and the next. › In the map below the contour interval is

20ft.

Relief

Relief – the variations in elevation of a land surface.› The difference between the highest

elevation to the lowest elevation.› Because, a Mountain is large, the relief

may be shown on a larger contour scale lets say 100ft.

› Where somewhere like New Bern maybe shown on a scale of 10ft.

Index Contour

Index Contour - is a darker, heavier contour line that is usually every fifth line and that is labeled by its elevation.

Rules for Reading Contour Lines

Contour lines never cross. › All points along a contour line represent one

elevation. The spacing of contour lines depends on slope

characteristics. › Ex. Contour lines that are close together show a

steep slope. Contour lines that are far apart show a gentle slope.

• Contour lines that pass a valley or stream are V shaped.› The V points to the area of highest elevation.

• The tops of hills, mountains, and depressions are shown by closed circles.

Depressions are Represented by the Image Below

Bathymetric Maps

Maps that work like topographic maps except the show the depths of the ocean floor.

Geolo

gic

Map

Geologic Maps show the geological features of an area such as rock formations, faults, or other geological data.

Topographic Maps

Group Activity Road Maps

End of Section 2.3