Maps and Mapping
How High or How Low…Can you go?
Maps
There are many different
kinds of maps that are used
for many different purposes.
Think about it
What are some of the different
kinds of maps that you have seen
or used?
Talk with your partner and come up
with 5 different types of maps or 5
different things we could map
Different types of maps
Examples of maps
Road or street
Weather
Topographic
Shaded relief
How do you make an accurate
map?
Start with a point of reference
Longitude
Imaginary lines
 Run north and south but measure EAST AND
WEST
 Prime Meridian
Latitude
 Imaginary lines
 Run east and west but measure NORTH AND
SOUTH
 Equator

Why make accurate maps?
Location
Reference for everyone in
world
What must be on ALL maps
Scale
Legend
Location/title
Key
Longitude/latitude
Magnetic declination
Types of maps a geologist would
use
Shaded Relief
Topographic or Contour
Shaded Relief Map
A shaded relief map is designed to
highlight the physical features of an
area of land.
It shows relative elevations.
This kind of map shows height through
shading and coloring variations.
Shaded Relief Map
Contour Maps
A contour or topographic map shows
the elevation of the land at all points.
It can be used to calculate the absolute
elevation of any given place.
This kind of map shows height
variations through the use of contour
lines.
Contour Map
Contour Lines
Contour lines are imaginary lines that
connect points of equal elevation.
The contour interval or change in elevation
from one contour line to the next is always
consistent.
Contour Lines
Hills are indicated by closed contours.
Depressions or large dips are indicated by
closed contours with hachure lines that
point downhill.
Contour Lines
The spacing between contour lines shows the
gradient.
Closely spaced lines indicate a steep slope.
Contours spaced far apart represent gentle
slopes.
“Check Point”
Which is higher, hill A or hill B?
Which hill is steeper?
How high is the area between
the hills?
Here is the same contour map along with a cross
section diagram of the area...
“Check Point”
Match the
crosssections
on the
left with
a contour
map on
the
right...
Answers...
1-B
2-E
3-D
4-C
5-A
“Think About It”
How might a contour (topographic) map be of
assistance if you were:
planning a housing development...
building a road...
choosing which hiking trail to take...
selecting where to put a new airport...