Maps and Mapping

How High or How Low…Can you go?

MapsThere are many different kinds of maps that are used for many different purposes.

Think about itWhat are some of the different kinds of maps that you have seen or used?

Talk with your partner and come up with 5 different types of maps or 5 different things we could map

Different types of mapsExamples of maps

Road or streetWeatherTopographicShaded relief

How do you make an accurate map?

Start with a point of referenceLongitude

Imaginary linesRun north and south but measure EAST AND

WESTPrime Meridian

LatitudeImaginary linesRun east and west but measure NORTH AND

SOUTHEquator

Why make accurate maps?

LocationReference for everyone in world

What must be on ALL maps

ScaleLegendLocation/titleKeyLongitude/latitudeMagnetic declination

Types of maps a geologist would use

Shaded ReliefTopographic or Contour

Shaded Relief MapA shaded relief map is designed to highlight the physical features of an area of land.

It shows relative elevations.

This kind of map shows height through shading and coloring variations.

Shaded Relief Map

Contour Maps

A contour or topographic map shows the elevation of the land at all points.

It can be used to calculate the absolute elevation of any given place.

This kind of map shows height variations through the use of contour lines.

Contour Map

Contour LinesContour lines are imaginary lines that connect points of equal elevation. The contour interval or change in elevation from one contour line to the next is always consistent.

Contour LinesHills are indicated by closed contours. Depressions or large dips are indicated by closed contours with hachure lines that point downhill.

Contour LinesThe spacing between contour lines shows the gradient. Closely spaced lines indicate a steep slope. Contours spaced far apart represent gentle slopes.

“Check Point”

Which is higher, hill A or hill B? Which hill is steeper?How high is the area between the hills?

Here is the same contour map along with a cross section diagram of the area...

“Check Point”Match the cross-sections on the left with a contour map on the right...

Answers...1 - B

2 - E

3 - D

4 - C

5 - A

“Think About It”How might a contour (topographic) map be of assistance if you were:

planning a housing development... building a road... choosing which hiking trail to take... selecting where to put a new airport...