Introduction to Topography Intro Video Clip
Topographic Map shows the shape, or features, of the land.
Scientists use satellite imagery and aerial photography to create the topographic maps.
Satellite Imagery One satellite used to examine Charleston is called the Landsat 7. GPS
Scientists identify specific features of the land by the combination of colors and shapes the feature makes on the satellite image or aerial photograph. Satellite Image of HawaiiAerial Photo of Hawaii What is the difference between dark green and red areas?
On a topographic map features can be: Geologic: Man made: MountainsSchools RiversRoads Forests Railroad Stations
What is “elevation”? The height above sea level. What is Mount Everest’s elevation? That’s equal to 29,029 feet! Almost 5 ½ miles tall!
To read a topographic map, you must understand the symbols. Contour Lines- How elevation is shown on a topographic map. Contour Intervals- The change in elevation between the contour lines. Index Contours- Lines labeled with their elevation.
Contour Intervals Contour intervals can be different only on different maps. How do you find the contour interval? Count the spaces between the index contours. (10) Divide the change in elevation by the number of spaces. (100/10) The answer (10) is your contour interval!
Let’s practice… What is the contour interval for this map? 100/5= 20 m
Slope Where the slopes are steeper, the contour lines are closer together! Where the slopes are more gentle, the contours lines are further apart! The steepness of the land.
On a topography map, there are rules! 1. Contour lines never cross each other. 2. Closed loops show highest and lowest points. 3. The contour interval remains the same on a map. 4. Index contour lines mark elevations.
Real Life Topographic Map Mount Everest Cross Section
Then, try to create a simple topography map of this landscape. Sketch this mountain’s “cross-section” in the real life drawing section.
South Carolina Landform Regions
South Carolina Topography
How to make a cross-section…