Earth and Space Science Ms. Pollock

Topographic Maps  Show surface features – topography – of Earth  Natural and constructed features  Made using photographs and survey points  Show elevation – height above sea level

Topographic Maps  Detailed information about surface  Size, shape, elevation  Contour lines – isograms that connect points of the same elevation  Contour intervals – difference in elevation between contour lines  Legends for symbols, such as buildings, roads, water, etc.  Show relief of land  Relief – difference in elevation between highest and lowest points  Every fifth contour line bolder to make reading easier  Looped contour lines for hills  V contour lines for valleys

Geologic Maps  Designed to show distribution of geologic features – rocks, folds, faults  Created on top of other maps – base maps  Geologic unit – volume of rock of given age range and rock type – distinguished by color and letter  Contact lines where geologic units meet – faults, depositional contacts

Soil Maps  Classify, map, and describe soils  Based on soil surveys with information about properties of soil in given area  National Resources Conservation Service mapping soil distribution for over 100 years  Geology, topography, climate, and soil types  Useful in agriculture and land management  Soil conservation and site planning

Other Types of Maps  Location and flow of water and air  Useful to all branches of Earth Science  Prevention of damage during natural disasters  Changes on Earth’s surface  Potential locations for development