Maps

What is a map? A flat model of all or part of Earth’s surface as seen from above Drawn to scale Shows the shape of the land (topography) and other features

Topography of an area includes: Elevation: the height of sea level of a point on Earth’s surface Relief: the difference in elevation between the highest and lowest part of an area Landforms:hills or valleys

Three Main Types of Landforms Plains (low elevation and low relief) Mountains (high elevation and high relief) Plateaus (high elevation and low relief)

What Is in a Map?

Longitude and Latitude http://www.nextvista.org/longitude-and-latitude/

Where is ...? Look up p.27

Topographic Map Shows the surface features of an area Use contour lines to represent elevation, relief and slope

Mapping topography A contour line connects points of equal elevation Contour Interval is the change in elevation from contour line to contour line Index Contour: usually every 5th contour line is darker and heavier than the others. labeled with the elevation in round units http://www.therockerbox.com/how_to_use_a_map_4.htm

Interpreting Contour Lines Begin at the index contour, then count the number of contour lines up or down to the feature.

Closely spaced contour lines indicate steep slopes Widely spaced contour lines indicate gentle slopes

Scale and Symbols A close loop with dashes inside shows a depression

V-shaped contour lines pointing downhill shows a ridge line. V-shaped contour lines pointing uphill shows a valley. A stream in the valley flows toward the open end of the V http://www.therockerbox.com/how_to_use_a_map_5.htm