Warm-Up Topographic Maps

? Lesson
Question

Lesson Goals

E x plain how
Interpret
D e s crib e uses of
,
relief, and slope are topographic maps.
shown on topographic maps.
maps.

W Words to Know
2K
Write the letter of the definition next to the matching word as you work through the
lesson. You may use the glossary to help you.

topographic map A. a line on a topographic map that connects

locations of equal elevation

contour interval B. a contour line highlighted and thickened to allow

for easier elevation interpretation

contour line C. a map showing the elevation and relief of a

portion of Earth’s surface

index contour D. the difference in elevation between contour lines

© Edgenuity, Inc. 1
Warm-Up Topographic Maps

Topography

Topography is the shape of land in an area.

• is the height above sea level.

• is the difference in elevation between the highest

and lowest points.

• Topography includes and features.

© Edgenuity, Inc. 2
Instruction Topographic Maps
Slide

2 Maps as Models

• People convert Photographs into maps and add color, shading,

symbols, and other details to represent a Location .

Topographic Maps

Topographic maps differ greatly from Traditional maps.

• Topographic maps:

• show natural and man-made Surface features.

• use symbols to portray land and structures from an Aerial

view.

• contain information about the Elevation , relief, and

Slope
of an area.

© Edgenuity, Inc. 3
Instruction Topographic Maps
Slide

2 Contour Lines

Topographic maps use contour lines to show elevation.

• Each contour line connects points of equal Elevation .

• Index contours have a value and appear heavier or thicker

on a map.

• The difference in elevation between contour lines is called the

contour Interval .

5 Topographic Map Symbols

Topographic maps use symbols to represent

certain Features .

• Symbols include Man-made

features such as:

• schools and churches.

• other buildings.

• roads and railroads.

• Symbols also include Natural

landforms such as Hills ,

swamps, and Depressions .

© Edgenuity, Inc. 4
Instruction Topographic Maps
Slide

5 Topographic Map Scale

The scale of a map is the relationship between a Distance on the map and

the corresponding distance on the Ground .

The map scale:

• helps determine Actual distance.

• is presented in two ways:

• Ratio .

• scale Bars .

© Edgenuity, Inc. 5
Instruction Topographic Maps
Slide

5 Reading Topographic Maps

Relief
• is the difference in elevation between two locations.

• The Contour lines show that the slope of the road is downhill toward the

Airport and that the relief is about 50 feet.

Higher
• A river flows from the elevation toward the Lower
elevation.

© Edgenuity, Inc. 6
Instruction Topographic Maps
Slide

5 Reading Topographic Maps

• A Mountain is an area of high elevation and high relief.

• A Depression is an area where the land elevation drops.

• A Plato is an area with high elevation but low relief.

• The low relief is indicated by a Large area where there are very

few Contours .

© Edgenuity, Inc. 7
Instruction Topographic Maps
Slide

7 Uses of Topographic Maps

Topographic maps have a variety of uses.

• Science – locating key surface features and Landforms

• Engineering – finding Slope when constructing roads and

buildings

• Business – finding areas of Land where new stores can be built

Stores
• Government – constructing new

• Recreation – engaging in Geocaching , hiking, and camping

© Edgenuity, Inc. 8
Summary Topographic Maps

? Lesson
How are topographic maps interpreted and used?
Question

Answer

Slide

2 Review: Key Concepts

Topographic maps show natural and man-made features on Earth’s surface.

Topographic maps:

• use lines to display elevation, relief, and slope of

a given area.

• use special symbols and a defined scale to help interpret maps and
topography.

• have many uses, including science, engineering, and

purposes.

© Edgenuity, Inc. 9
Summary Topographic Maps

Use this space to write any questions or thoughts about this lesson.

© Edgenuity, Inc. 10