Warm-Up

Warm-Up1. Which map or maps are

most accurate?2. What does latitude

measure?3. What does longitude

measure?4. On the map, which is

farther north, “A” or “B”?

What is TOPOGRAPHY?• Topography is the physical and natural features

of a land• A topographic map shows the different

elevation over land including natural features (such as elevation) and man made features (such as schools)

Contour Lines• Contour lines are imaginary lines that represent

a certain height or elevation. They connect points of the same elevation.

• Contour lines will never cross or intersect another elevation

• Each contour line only represents one elevation

Contour Lines and Elevation• Distance between contour lines:– Far apart = gentle slopes (rolling hills)– Close together = steep slope (cliffs or steep mountains)

Contour Interval• Contour interval

is the difference in elevation between any two points– Shows the change

in height

Contour Lines and ElevationImagine a picture of a

mountain and then imagine there were lines drawn around it every 20 ft.

What would the mountain with the lines look like if you stood on the side of it?

What would the mountain with the lines look like if you were looking down on it from an airplane?

Contour Lines and Elevation• depression contours: a contour line with

hachures (dashed lines) to indicate DECREASING elevation.

How Topographic Maps Look From the Side

Topographic Map of Angel Island

But first a little history…• Angel Island is a small island in San Francisco Bay

•It was an Army base for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries

•Known as the “Ellis Island of the West,” the immigration station for foreigners, mostly Asians, seeking to live in the United States

•Currently a California State Park and popular hiking destination for locals and tourists

Practice

• Work with your partner or individually to complete your Topographic Maps practice problems

Real Map Questions1. Which map do you have? (Hint: look in the

top right, it will say _______ Quadrangle)2. What are two observations you can make

about your map? (What are two things you see?)

3. What is the highest elevation you see?4. Are the contour lines close or far apart?

Time to put this to use. . .

Topographic Map Activity

How would you finish this diagram?

Map Quiz. . . Good Luck

P.S. You can use your notes on the quiz

Map Quiz1. What degree latitude is the equator on?2. Starting at “North” and going clockwise

(to the right) what are the other directions?

3. Which map or maps are most accurate

Map Quiz4. Name 2 ways maps can be helpful.5. What are 3 things you might/ should find on a map?6. What do topographic maps show?

Map Quiz7. Is “A” north or south of the Equator?8. Is “E” to the east or west of “D”?9. What are the coordinates of “B”?

Map Quiz10. What is the highest elevation on this topographic map, and which hill is taller?

North Carolina Road Map Activity

Bonus Steps: Draw a map of Independence

You get more points for more detail, and to get full credit make sure you

include everything a map needs

Exit Ticket

1. What kind of information can be gathered from a topographic map?2. On a topographic map, what does the contour line represent? #3-5 Use the map below:3. According to the diagram, what is the approximate difference in elevation between point A and point B?

4. What is topographic point 1 actually displaying, based on the elevation levels?

5. According to the diagram, what is the highest point of elevation on the map?

Map 1: Contour Interval= 10 ft.Map 1:Contour interval = 10 ft.

B B= 50 ft.= 50ft.

C =C= 60 ft 60ft.