1. Topographic Maps and Satellite Views

2. TEKS 8.9C interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosional features and predict how these features may be reshaped by weathering.

3. Cartographers (map makers) use data from aerial photos and remote sensing to create maps of the Earth’s surface.

4.
Satellites orbiting the Earth photograph the surface to provide views of the Earth we normally would not be able to see.

5. The photos from satellites correlate to maps that show the shape and elevation of a given area.

6. These are called topographic maps.
Topographic maps are useful because they model the three-dimensional land using lines and symbols.

7. Topographic maps show the location and shape of landforms using contour lines.

8. Contour lines are imaginary lines that connect points with the same elevation.

9. Important Points About Contour Lines…

10. Each contour line represents one elevation.

11. Contour lines never cross.

12. Differences in elevation are shown with the spacing between contour lines. This is called the contour interval.

13. Closely spaced contours represent steep slopes.

14. Widely spaced contour lines represent gradual slopes.

15. When contour lines cross a stream or river, the lines are bent to form a “V” shape.

16. The “V” points uphill or upstream
The “V” points uphill or upstream. So the tip of the “V” points opposite the direction the stream or river is flowing.