LS:1 Introduction to Topographical maps

Learning Objectives :
● Identify purpose and features of topographical maps
● Understanding different signs and symbols
● Need of scales and measurement of distance on map

New words :
1.Topographical
2.Transportation
3.Infrastructure
4.Boundaries
5.Contour
6.Hydrography
7.Opisometer
8.Twine method
9.Conventional symbols
10.Representative scale

I.Give geographical reasons :

1.Why are colours used in maps ?

A.Colours are used to depict different types of physical ,economic and
cultural features .It would be difficult to interpret a map if colours are not
used .

2.How do contour lines help to determine the elevation of a point on a

map ?
A.Contour lines connect places of equal elevation on a toposheet .The
spacing between the contours helps to determine the elevation.

3.Why are symbols used in topographical maps ?

A.A symbol represents a specific feature or an object on topographical
sheets .
Example : International boundaries :
Railway gauge:
Places of worship :

II.Answer in a paragraph or two :

1.What is the use of a topographical map?

A.A topographical or a survey map is a large scale map .These are
created and published by national mapping agency of every country .It is
generally used by government agencies in urban planning ,resource
development and surveys .It is also used by hikers and climbers to
calculator the heights of roads ,hills and mountains .

2.What are contour lines ?

A.Contour lines connects places of equal elevation on a toposheet .These
lines show the height of ground above or below the mean sea level.Every
fifth contour line on a topographical map is labelled on a map for easy
reading .This is called index contour and are bolder than the other contour
lines on a map.

3.What features are depicted using red colour on a toposheet ?

A.Grid lines and their numberings ,all the roads like
metalled ,unmetalled,cart tracks ,foot paths ,settlements ,huts and buildings
are depicted using red colour on a topographical map .

4.What features are depicted using brown colour on a map ?

A.Shades of brown are used to show relief features like sandhills ,sand
dunes ,shifting sand ,contour lines and figures denoting heights .

5.Write a note on map scale .

A.Scale is used to find the distance of a place on the map with its actual
distance on the ground .Scaling ensures that all objects on the ground are
proportionately represented on the map .This is done based on a chosen
scale .There are different types of scales .
6.Differentiate between the different types of scales used in maps .
A.There are three types of scales .They are :
● Representative fraction scale (R.F): In this scale the numerator
represents the distance on the map and the denominator represents
distance on the ground .
Example :R.T =Distance on the map
Distance on the ground

● Linear or Graphical scale :This consists of a straight line like a ruler .It
is divided into lengths that represent the distances on the earth's
surface .

Example :

● Verbal scale :It is also called a statement scale .The map scale is
described in words .
Example : 1 cm distance on the map is equal to 25km distance on
the ground is represented as 1cm=25kms .