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

2. A 2D view of a 3D surface

3. How do topographic maps give you a picture of what the landscape looks like?
By showing ELEVATION

7. What is the highest elevation? What is the lowest elevation?
Contour lines do not cross, split or branch off
Contour lines form a “v” or “u” shape in valleys or streambeds
- bottom of shape points uphill/upstream
What is the highest elevation?
What is the lowest elevation?
Which way is the stream flowing?

8. NOTE: Contour lines form a “V” or “U” shape in valleys or stream beds with the bottom of the shape pointing uphill/upstream.
This shape indicates weathering and erosion!
- weathering and erosion affects higher elevations first! U U
- as the surface continues to weather and erode, the “v/u” will widen &/or become more pointed. V
- deposition occurs downstream

9. Where is weathering and erosion taking place?

10. Spacing between contour lines indicates slope = the steepness of the land
if contour lines are far apart the slope is gradual (flat)
if contour lines are close together the slope is steep
Where is the slope the most gradual (or flat)?
Where is the slope the steepest?

11. Where is the slope of the land the steepest? flattest?

12. The contour interval of a map remains consistent throughout the map
What is the contour interval of this map?

13. What is the contour interval of this map?

14. Identify and Label the following on the topographic map above: Highest Elevation = _______ Place an “F” where the slope is the most gradual (flat) Lowest Elevation = _______ Place an “S” where the slope is the steepest Contour Interval = _______ Draw an arrow showing which way the stream is flowing

15. What the landscape (or horizon) looks like

16. Topographic Map & Profile

17. Topographic Map & Profile

18. Interpret Create a profile showing elevation from point A to B.