Topographic Mapping Flashcards
What is the definition of a topographic map?
- A Topographic map is a detailed and accurate graphic representation of cultural and natural features on the ground
What is a map, as defined by Carl O. Sauer?
Maps break down our inhibitions, stimulate our glands, stir our imagination, loose our tongues.
The map speaks across the barrier of language; it is sometimes claimed as the language of geography.
What are some criteria for a topographic map?
- Locational
- Detailed and accurate representing ground ‘truths’
- Cultural and natural features
Why are features on a topographic map ‘truths’?
- Coastline and hills may be accurately ground truthed for location but other features are a cultural choice
- Cultural features are a ‘truth’ and based on the gov’t at the time and who made the maps
What is the significance of cultural features on a map?
- Decided by who made the map (hence ‘truths’)
- Based on gov’t at the time
- Can track history of an area through how a map of an area is done and places named
- ex. Victoria has many colonial english names but also anglicized First Nations names
How has access to topographic maps changed recently?
- Used to be expensive to purchase copyright access
- Now digital copies are available for free
What and where is the 1st documented evidence of a topographic map?
What is the scale?
- China
- Map of Yu Ji Tu (Map of the Tracks of Yu)
- Carved in stone in 1136
- Contains gridlines, rivers, coasts, settlements, scale
- Put ink on top of carving and roll paper over to print map
- 1:5000000
What is the significance of a carved rock map?
- Takes considerable effort to make
- Signifies permanence and importance
What was the 1st multi-sheet topographic map series?
Wapping the entire country?
- The Carte Geometrique de la France
- 1789
What was the purpose of mapping an entire country?
- Power and control over land and people
- Must know where borders are to protect them
- Signifies building up of nation states from fiefdoms
What is the key to the development of maps?
Power and Control
What does the word ‘Ordnance’ signify about maps?
- Military basis, power and control
- Ordnance refers to bombs and bullets
Why is mapping important for the military?
- Know where to fight from
- Build bases
- Rivers and crossings
- Find where enemies will likely be
What is it and what is the significance of the UK Ordnance Survey?
- Mapping at a scale of 1 1/4 inch to the mile
- Started in 1747
- Ordnance belies military roots
Who did most of the work mapping until WWI?
Surveyors
- Still involved after the war, just less so
What was the next methodology employed in topographic mapping after land surveys?
- Aerial photography
- Photogrammetry and stereopairs to get elevations and land (military 1st employed)
What is the difference between topographic maps and google maps?
- Topographic have gov’t and ISO standards for quality (will say when last surveyed)
- Google has no standards or listings of accuracy
What is a common digital map service that is used almost daily by the average person and is it a topographic map?
- Google maps entire world at great resolution, also the sky, oceans, and the moon
- Doesn’t have international standards or listings of accuracy
- Questionable quality
Why are some topographic maps using data from 100 years ago or more?
- Because it is very expensive to survey
- Maps will say when last surveyed (1920’s) to give an idea of accuracy
What are 5 key elements of a topographic map?
- Culture (roads, buildings)
- Water (lakes, rivers)
- Relief (mnts, valleys)
- Vegetation (wooded or cleared areas)
- Toponymy (place names)
What are Cultural features on a topographic map?
- Roads
- Buildings
- Urban Development
- Boundaries
- Railways
- Power Transmission Lines
What are Water features on a topographic map?
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Streams
- Swamps
- Rapids
What are Relief features on a topographic map?
- Mountains
- Valleys
- Slopes
- Depressions
What are Vegetation features on a topographic map?
- Wooded areas
- Cleared areas
- Orchards
- Vineyards