Mapping Earth Science

Mapping Maps – graphic representation of earth and its features. Maps are a model Models cannot show every detail Mercator (1569) Longitude lines are parallel Still used by sailors today

Mapping Conic – wrap a cone around a globe Used to make road and weather maps Gnomic – looking down on the North Pole Used by sailors travelling across the ocean Robinson Most widely used Distance distorted around the edges of the map (polar regions)

Mapping Latitude – distance north or south of the equator (0 degrees) Measured in degrees Longitude – distance east or west of the prime meridian (0 degrees) Prime meridian – line running north and south through Greenwich, England

Topography What is topography? What is a topographic map? Study of Earth’s surface features (also other bodies in the solar system) What is a topographic map? Map that shows the elevation of Earth’s surface. Contour lines – lines of equal height Contour interval – distance in elevation between adjacent contour lines

Topography Relief – difference in elevation Contouring Rules: High relief: large differences in elevation Example: mountain ranges Contouring Rules: Each contour line represents ONLY 1 elevation Closely spaced contour lines indicate high relief (or a steep slope) Lines that cross a valley are V-Shaped If a stream runs through the valley, the V’s will point upstream

Contour lines Water Vegetation Buildings Roads Index Contour New features