Topographic Maps

Question 1

Topographic Graphs

Answer 1

Topographic maps are detailed, accurate graphic representations of features that appear on the Earth’s surface. These features include: Cultural - roads, buildings and urban development. Hydrography - lakes, rivers and coastal flats. Relief - mountains, valleys, contours and cliffs. Vegetation - wooded and cleared areas, vineyards and orchards.

Question 2

Elements of a Map

Answer 2

Border, Orientation, Legend, Title, Scale, Sources

Question 3

LATITUDE

Answer 3

North to South → Lines of latitude run parallel to each other around the earth. The equator is at 0°. The other lines of latitude go north and south of the equator. The North Pole is 90° North of the equator, and the South Pole is 90° South of the equator. The equator divides the world into the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Question 4

LONGITUDE

Answer 4

East to West → Line of longitude run from the North Pole to the South Pole. The 0° line of longitude and the 180° line divide the earth into the eastern and western hemispheres. A longitude line is always east or west, except for the 0° and 180° line, because there can only be one of each.

Question 5

Area and Grid References

Answer 5

Used on topographic maps that have grid lines. The lines that run up and down the maps horizontally are known as ‘eastings’. The lines that run across the map vertically are known as ‘northings’.

Question 6

Grid References

Answer 6

Used to get an accurate reference for a precise location. Uses 6 figures.

Question 7

Area References

Answer 7

Used to get an accurate reference for a general location. Uses 4 figures