1. How High or How Low…Can you go?
Maps and Mapping
How High or How Low…Can you go?

2. Maps
There are many different kinds of maps that are used for many different purposes.

3. Think about it
What 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

4. Different types of maps
Examples of maps
Road or street
Weather
Topographic
Shaded relief

5. How do you make an accurate map?
Start with a point of reference
Longitude
Imaginary lines
Run north and south but measure EAST AND WEST
Prime Meridian
Latitude
Run east and west but measure NORTH AND SOUTH
Equator

6. Reference for everyone in world
Why make accurate maps?
Location
Reference for everyone in world

7. What must be on ALL maps Scale Legend Location/title Key
Longitude/latitude
Magnetic declination

8. Types of maps a geologist would use
Shaded Relief
Topographic or Contour

9. Shaded Relief Map
A 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.

10. Shaded Relief Map

11. 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.

12. Contour Map

13. Contour Lines
Contour 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.

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

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

16. “Check Point” Which is higher, hill A or hill B?
Which hill is steeper?
How high is the area between the hills?

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

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

19. Answers...
1 - B
2 - E
3 - D
4 - C
5 - A

20. “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...