This lesson is intended to be done as part of an outdoor school program and therefore done outside. Eighth grade lesson topographic maps lab betterlesson. This introductory lesson serves to introduce what a topographic map actually is a representation of a 3d area on a 2d surface and have students create one by pouring progressively more water into a plastic mold, where they then use a plastic. Chapter 2 reading topographic maps and making calculations. Students build a model from a topographic map using fun foam or cardboard.
Engineers use ratios, rates and gis with great frequency and must be able to work with them in various forms. A topographic map is often a very large scale map that shows the shape of the lands surface. This introduction to topographic map activities lesson plan is suitable for 7th 9th grade. This directory level site includes links to various resources on topographic maps, how to obtain them, read them, their history, and map projections and includes links to various teaching activities and modules. We show you 2 quick ways to download usgs topo maps. It is the onestop shop for learning about, using, and teaching topographic map concepts. The map reading guide is an ideal resource for a wide range of map users and is an excellent and simple introduction to topographic maps which are suitable for anyone with an interest in maps. Using a simple topographical map and a helpful crosssectional diagram, students will have to respond to. Follow this link to a java applet that will help you with this contour map. In the illustration shown below what navigational features are represented by a, b, and c. Browse and view free us geological survey, us forest service, and nrcan topo maps for the us and canada. Acrobat merge layers and flatten layers features figure below are especially useful for creating a. Topographic maps are graphic representations of selected features of the earths. Free printable topographic maps free printable topo maps canada, free printable topographic map worksheets, free printable topographic maps, maps is surely an significant source of main information and facts for traditional examination.
Show students map images and introduce the activity. Topographic map worksheet the topographic map below represents a location in north america. The usgs was entrusted with the responsibility for mapping the country in 1879 and has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the united states ever since. Use caltopo for collaborative trip planning, detailed elevation profiles and terrain analysis, printing geospatial pdfs, and exporting maps to your smartphone as kmz or mbtiles fiels. Therefore, you do not want to overwhelm your classroom or your child when you introduce the maps for the first time. You could do a mosaic for whole 150 digital topographic maps in erdas or envi. Construct a topographic map of the egyptian pyramid of khafre a topographic map is a twodimensional representation of a threedimensional space. In this lesson, students complete a very fun lab where they use a specially designed container and a lot of water to build a topographic profile. Topographic maps are an excellent planning tool and guide and, at the same time, help make outdoor adventures enjoyable and safe.
To be able to use a map to find your way, you must first determine where your current location is on the map. Readingunderstanding topographic maps school of forest resources goals for the lesson students will gain an understanding of topographic maps. Understanding topographic maps, watersheds, and the water cycle. Topographic map fact sheets, relevant articles, other teaching resources and information about ordering topographic maps from the us geologic survey as well as a list of topo map web sites are included in this section. Us topo maps are the current generation of usgs topographic maps. Topographic mapshave a variety of uses, from planning the best route for a hike to determining a location for a school or an airport. In this lesson, students will learn the use and importance of topographic mapping. Depending on the scale of your arcgis online map, the usgs topographic maps will display as follows. April 2010 6 125 years of topographic mapping at usgs the contours after control points had been identi. The acrobat merge layers and flatten layers features figure below are especially. Topographic map worksheet use the following topographic map to answer 1 3. The elevation at point a is a60 m c 140m b 100m d 300m 2. Users can display the footprint and thumbnail of one or more products, view metadata, directly download the file or add to a cart. National geographic is allowing everyone to easily download any usgs 7.
The symbol 533 represents the highest elevation on aurora hill. This section also involves calculations and drawing of. General activity information a list of module activities and an explanation of the activity format layout. Learning how to make a topographic map is a great way to show kids how threedimensional objects can be represented on a twodimensional page. In this activity, students will be cutting layers of a topographic map pattern out of colored construction paper or foam layers and gluing them together into a mountain to demonstrate how each contour line represents points of equal elevation. By clicking on the map image, you will be able to view a large version of the topographic map used for this lab activity. This activity focuses on developing map skills, chiefly, using direction to locate features on a map.
May appear to merge on vertical cliffs, but are stacked. Topographic maps use contour lines, lines of equal elevation, to represent the vertical dimension height of the landscape. Make sure students understand that contour maps, though 2dimensional, use contour lines to show elevation above sea level. Introduction to topographic maps serc, carleton college. Topographic map worksheet answers along with map worksheets. The final section enables students to visualize mt. Geological survey reading topographic maps interpreting the colored lines, areas, and other symbols is the. Each map is constructed in a portable document format pdf with a geospatial extension called georeferenced pdf geopdf using key layers of geospatial data orthoimagery, transportation, geographic names, topographic contours, boundaries, hydrography, woodland, and structures from. In all these cases, it is essential that the reference system for the topographic survey. Points a, b, y, and z are reference points on the topographic map. Readingunderstanding topographic maps school of forest. The features can range from political boundaries, roads, or cities to population density, annual precipitation, or mineral resources.
These are the same topographic maps that were published by the u. Click the link below to download the chapter notes in pdf format. The features of a map are dependent upon the intended use. Us topo maps have been published digitally since 2009 as layered pdfs with both vector and raster data. They will be presented with activities that will help them to describe a topographic map, explain the different information a topographic map contains. It uses a map of the uk with the major cities on as its base so you become familiar with how touse direction with a map whilst also learning where the major cities of the uk and northern ireland are.
If you want to download the image of topographic map worksheet answers along with map worksheets middle school, simply right click the image and choose save as. Customprinted topographic topo maps, aerial photos, and satellite images for the united states and canada. Topographic maps creek connections allegheny college. Take this quiz to learn more about topographic maps. Note that a is a critical city in defining the navigational feature labeled b.
Suggestions for teaching this lesson 3, 35minute sessions on the poster is atopographic map of salt lake city. Maps are a big part of the fourth grade social studies curriculum, but maps in a textbook can seem boring and hard to conceptualize for many students. Using the topographic map provided by your instructor for activity 2, answer the following questions. Advantages of the us topo product include the following. Finally, students may need their earth science reference tables esrt. Earth science topographic map worksheet key the earth. Chapter 5 topographical maps you know that the map is an important geographic tool. Contour lines contour lines, or isohypses, connect points of equal elevation. Freely available, selfcontained, impartial, credible topographic maps for the nation made from nationally consistent. Point out the flattest and steepest areas on the crater lake map. They serve the purpose of base maps and are used to draw all the other maps. Thats why they are so useful for bushwalking, property mapping and even town planning.
Geological survey usgs mapping program from its inception in the various surveys of the 19th century to approximately 1954. Bring up the most basic principles first, and then you can build on the youngsters knowledge after that. One of the most useful types of map is a topographic map which is used to show the shape of the land surface. How this lesson relates to the geographic themes location and placeusing a topographic map can give students a clear. T if possible, obtain a topographic map of your area for activity procedure 8.
The topographic map in figure 2 was created by joining adjacent parts of the. Topography for kids has your child ever looked at a map and asked what all those weirdshaped lines are. The activity is used in an undergraduate introductory physical geography course that includes a 2hour laboratory session that meets once per. These maps are used for camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, for urban planning, resource management, and surveying. Depending on your needs, you can choose us topo or historical topographic maps in the tnm viewer. Use a blank outline map and write the temperatures on the map in their proper locations. This lesson includes four distinct activities to better understand the water cycle, topographic maps and watersheds.
He might have wondered about contour lines, which show the topography of an area on a map. The topographical maps, which have been referred to in chapter 1 are of utmost. For example, a state map shows cities, major roads, national parks, county lines, etc. Contour map generation in the field, points and their elevations are measured using automatic levels, total stations, or gps devices geotechnical engineers use these points to generate topographic maps. Names of adjoining quadrangles are frequently indicated in the corner margins of usgs topographical maps. Helens in 3d and make interpretations about the history of both the 1980 eruption and its recent volcanic activity. Contour lines, and topographic map symbols to complete a worksheet. Science teacher education program 20062009 geophysical institute, uaf 568 interpreting topographic maps interpreting topographic maps the gorge one late winter, vance, a new teacher on kodiak island, decided to hike into a remote valley to do. Invite an elder to visit and talk about the local place names, including the reasons people chose to settle in the area. Students will demonstrate their basic understanding of how to read a topographic map. Knowing how to use a topographic map can make crosscountry hiking navigation a cinch.
Us topo and the historical topographic map collection htmc. If you were taking a hike along a hillside and not walking. In this activity, students will learn how to create both a topographic map and a profile from a 3d. Basics of topographical map reading for kids sciencing. This geography worksheet introduces topography for kids. The ultimate reading a topographic map quiz howstuffworks. Use this scaleable set of seamless topographic maps, in this case from the usgs, inside arcgis online to examine the physical and cultural geography of the usa. Students are introduced to the idea of a topographic profile, which they will be using throughout the course in later lab exercises and field experiences. This lesson will help students learn how to read that map. After drawing two contour lines completely across your map, have your instructor check your work before you proceed further.
Introduction to topographic map activities lesson plan for. Topographic maps introduction maps are used to show the spatial distribution of features in a region. In coastal topographic surveys it is also essential to locate all aids to navigation within the surveying area. Display the images of topographic, or contour, maps. Topographical maps chapter 5 topographical maps you know that the map is an important geographic tool. Jul 29, 2019 national geographic has an easytouse interface which allows you to find a topographic map of your desired area in seconds with the help of an interactive map. Use your newspapers weather section to acquire the temperatures for sites across your region or cities across the u. Aug 21, 2018 usgs has two digital collections of maps. From approximately 1947 to 1992, more than 55,000 7. How to download usgs topo maps for free gis geography. Topography topographic map with contour li nes that shov points that are on the same level 50 m 40 m 30 m 20 m 10m 20 30 able hill 40 20 baker hil 30 40 50 ake. Topographic maps practice questions and answers revised. From there you can download it and print and youre ready to go.
Us topo map and historical topographic map users guide aws. A city map shows streets and major landmarks for that city, like hospitals and parks. The most distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is that the threedi. Reading topographic maps adapted from guide by boris vasilev, paradise valley community college, phoenix, arizona. Stop relying on online maps and get your hands on these free usgs topo maps of every quad in the united states. Topography this is a topographic map with contour lines that show points that are on the same level. How to read a topographic map teaching geography, geography. Topographic maps practice questions and answers revised october 2007 1. Mar, 20 epsom salt ornament tutorial epsom salts can turn powdery over time see description. The aid of a visual threedimensional model in the of. This activity is designed to develop an understanding of what the contour lines on the map represent, as well as introduce the term contour interval. Learning to use a topographic mapis a difficult skill, because it requires students to visualize a threedimensional. Reading and interpreting maps and aerial photographs.
Students discuss different types of maps, their similarities and differences. They will also learn how to construct, read and interpret a topographic map. This introductory lesson serves to introduce what a topographic map actually is. Through the associated activities, students learn how to use a compass to find bearing to an object on a map and in the classroom. They show the lands contours, elevations, mountains, valleys, bodies of water, vegetation and more.
Open the product list by clicking results next to the product count. How to download free usgs topo maps with the national map viewer. The only time two contour lines may merge is if there is a vertical cliff fig. Topographic content of contours, shaded relief, and hydrography together with multiple data layers make us topo more than a street map. Topographic maps represent features on the earths surface by. Contour lines are imaginary lines that connect places of equal elevation. Topographic maps activity topographic map activities. This history of the topographic branch is being published to provide a view of the u. All topos are available as downloadable georeferenced pdf files. Contour mapping lesson plan university of south florida. Topographic map activity teaching geography, map activities. You also know that maps are classified on the basis of scale and functions.
Us topo maps are layered pdfs with both vector and raster data, while htmc maps are a singlelayer. Topographic maps are differentiated from other maps in that they show both the horizontal and. Topographic maps represent the earths features accurately and to scale on a twodimensional surface. Boltss 263 kb pdf map keys 717 kb pdf grid skills 383 kb pdf direction skills 4.
In this case, you might compare the shapes of roads curves, circles, etc. Then compare this measurement against what you get by using the measure tool above the map. Topographical maps can be very difficult to understand, even for trained adults. Could do this with grade using my fossil volcano model. Have you ever looked at a map and noticed a bunch of curvy, weirdshaped lines. The topo map tidbits worksheet and meadville quad activity may be done individually. You will need to print the map to include in your data section of your lab report. Topographic map worksheet flagstaff unified school district. Head over to their website to check out the usgs topo maps. The principles of interpolation and contouring are addressed as students create their own topographic map from a set of elevation points. Geological survey looseleaf manual of topographic instructions. A nice reference to have while reading this chapter is a usgs color topographic map.
The topographical maps, which have been referred to in chapter 1 are of utmost importance to geographers. Display the usgs topographic map symbols pdf for students. Reading topographic maps indiana university bloomington. Worksheets are topographic map work, topographic map reading practice work, topographic maps, misp topographic maps work 2, topographic maps, map reading activity topography ff i, topographic map work, topographic maps. In todays illustrator tutorial ill show you how to make use of the blend tool to. I need to merge these maps maps using contour layer only at once. They then apply their newly refined topographic map reading skills by identifying prominent features on a portion of the meadville quad topographic map. Topographic maps and countours academic resource center.
Currently, the most recent version is published as us topo and stored in digital format on the tnm viewer. The third section contains a series of questions and calculations students can complete by examining the usgs topographic map of mt. A diagram showing how contour lines are represented on a topographical map. A detailed and accurate twodimensional representation of features on the earths surface.
Introduction to contour maps national geographic society. Helps them build reference as to what a topographic map is trying to show them with the different lines. This can be a deceptively easy query, before you are inspired to produce an answer it may seem significantly more. Earth science topographic map worksheet for kids earth science topographic map worksheet for kids 1 base your to the following ion on isoline topographic map practice worksheet on other maps and globe ch 1 resources worksheets practice tests s topographic map worksheetstopographic map worksheetscontour map worksheet 2 for 6th 9th gradetopographic map. Color the elevations on the topographic map as follows. Displaying all worksheets related to topographic map.
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