Lab 2_Topographic Maps.docx

Lab 2: Topographic Maps Learning Objectives ● Interpret topographic maps. ● Create a topographic profile. ● Understand different map scales Introduction Understanding the elements within a map allows the reader to understand the environment without having to visit the location. Being proficient with map interpretations empowers you to be able to observe a random topographic map and identify distances, locations, and physical features. In this lab, you will explore a variety of ways to interpret the Earth’s topography by gaining a greater understanding of topographic map reading. Instructions Topographic maps provide the geographic locations and elevation of a landscape by using contour lines, shaded relief, colors, and in some cases, digital elevation models (DEM). Refer to the Rules for Contour Lines document in D2L for additional tips. While viewing the Introduction to Topographic Maps by Seth Horowitz video, record answers for the following questions in Part A. Part A: Contour Lines 1. Why are only some contour lines labeled on a map? 2. What is the name for the heavy, dark contour lines that have elevation written? 3. On the Topographic Map Features slide in the video, what is the contour interval for the bottom left map that has contour lines marked 50 and 100 (in units)?

4. While the video is paused, answer the following questions: a. What is the contour interval? b. What is the elevation of point a? c. What is the elevation of point b? 5. Which way is Long Creek flowing? Explain what evidence you used to determine your answer. 6. Using the Mill River Map (below), label the following features: a. Steepest slope b. Hill c. Elevation of hill marked by the letter Z d. Depth of the depression marked by hachured lines.

Part B: Isolines Isolines are covered in the section “ Conveying Information on Maps” in Chapter 2 of your textbook. Topographic maps usually show elevation using contour lines (lines connecting points of equal elevation). This contour map represents a region of high relief along the continental divide near Estes Park, Colorado. The contour lines correspond to elevation in meters. In the space provided record A, B, C, or D to answer the questions below: 7. Which point has an elevation of 3100 meters? 8. Which point has an elevation of 2900 meters? 9. Which point has an elevation of 2800 meters? 10. Which point has an elevation of less than 2700 meters?

Part C: Contour Lines and Profile Shapes 11. Match the contour drawings and profiles with the corresponding written description. Assume north is toward the top of the page. N  Contour (Number) Profile (Letter) It is a relatively round hill with twin summits. It has one summit - the steeper slope on the east side. It has two summits - the western one the higher. This single summit has its steepest slope on the north side; the other slopes are gentle. You would want to climb this summit’s gentle eastern slope, not its steep west slope. Part D. Determining Elevations from a Contour Map. Answer questions 12-21 using the topographic map (next page), and refer to the Rules of Contour Lines in the Lab Module for extra guidance. Hint : If a point is not directly on a contour line , you cannot determine the exact location; you only know the range between 2 values. Do not guess at the elevation; provide the range the point falls between.

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