Topographic map Flashcards
type of map characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief usually using contour lines in modern mapping, but historically using a variety of methods
topographic map
topographic maps are also called
contour maps or topo maps
Conventionally show topography, or land contours, by means of contour lines
topographic map
curves that connect contiguous points of the same altitude
contour lines
- contiguous points of same altitude
isohypse
used to show that a certain distance on the map represents the actual distance on the earth’s surface
scale
Represented using words (for example one inch = 400 miles) or using a graphic (a line graph)
scale
tells us what the map is all about, generally the biggest, darkest, and most noticeable text on your map
title
usually in one of the corners of the map and is often enclosed by a box
legend
explains the meaning of different sizes, shapes, and colors used in the map
legend
– used for defining and understanding the symbols found on the map
legend
things that stand for or represent real things on the earth’s surface
symbols
it can vary according to 2 categories: color and shape
symbols
shows which way is up on the map, nearly all maps are printed so that north is towards the top of the page
compass
sharp-pointed vees usually are in stream valleys, with the drainage channel passing through the point of the vee, with the vee pointing upstream
what rule
Rule of Vs
Consequence of erosion
stream valleys
closed loops are normally uphill on the inside and downhill on the outside, and the innermost loop is the highest area
what rule
rule of Os
If the roof instead represents a depression, some maps note this by short lines radiating from the inside of the loop called
hachures
close contours indicate a steep slope; distant contours a shallow slope
spacing of contours
Two or more contour lines merging indicates a _________
cliff
determine differences in elevation between two points, this must be known, and is given at the bottom of the map
contour interval
also present, and represent half the noted contour interval
dashed contour lines
gradient formula
change in field value/distance
diagrammatic representations of the surface of the earth
maps
indicates which way is north, south, east, or west
compass rose
estimate distances
scale
to understand symbols
key or legend
chart that shows the geographic distribution of the monthly or annual average values of climatic variables
climate map
show what natural resources are in a place and how people in that place earn money.
economic or resource map
is a type of map that represents political divisions, or human-created boundaries, of the world, continents and major geographic regions
political map
usually includes labels for features such as mountain ranges and bodies of water.
physical map
refers to the detailed description or representation of the natural and artificial features of an area
topography
shows the elevation field, meaning how high and low the ground is in relation to the sea level
topographic map
lines that connect points that are of the same elevation
contour lines
Show exact elevation, shape of the land, and the steepness of the land’s slope
Never touch or cross
contour lines
compares distances on the map with distances of Earth
map scale
explains the symbols used on the map
legend
contour lines that are labeled to help you find the contour interval, these are dark-colored line that represent every fifth contour line to make it easier to read
index contours
difference in elevation between two contour lines that are side by side
contour interval
Not the distance between the two lines – to get the distance you need to use the map scale
contour interval
point where the exact elevation is known and is marked with a brass or aluminum plate
benchmark
Marked BM on the map with the elevation numbers given in feet
Useful to help determine contour lines
benchmark
– do not cross one another, as you can’t have two different elevations at the same point
➢
contour lines
difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points in a region
relief
states that closed loops are usually uphill o nthe inside and downhill on the outside, and the innermost loop is the highest area
rule of O
if the loop instead represent a depression, some mps note this by short lines radiating fro mthe inside of the loop
hachures
such as the inside of a dead volcano, is represented by hachure lines
depression
regular contour lines with small segments sticking out from them
hachure lines
contour lines that form Vs that point upstream when they cross a stream
rule of Vs
represented by concentric series of closed contours
hill
indicated by hachure marks on the downhill side
depression
contour lines “V” upstream when crossing a stream while the point of the “V” points uphill
rule of Vs
water features, such as streams or lakes
blue
contour lines and residentia
brown
roads, building, railroads, other man-made objects
black/grey
forested areas
*
dark green
vegetation, woodland
Light green –
highways
red
sparse or no vegetation
white
