Lab Activity: Topographic Maps
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Purpose/Objective: Students will become familiar with topographic/contour maps, and how
they are produced.
Standards Addressed: ES 1b, I & E 1f
Hypothesis: None
Materials: transparent molded plastic box containing volcano, transparent plastic lid, metric
ruler, non-permanent marker, cardboard, scissors, glue, color pencils
Procedure
Part A: Making a topographic map
1. Using the marker, make marks one centimeter apart up the side of the box beginning at
the bottom. Label the elevations: 0 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, and so on.
2. Carefully fill the container with water up to the one centimeter mark.
3. Place the lid over the volcano and trace the outline of the water line onto the lid.
4. Continue to do this with each sequential mark on the box until the volcano is completely
submerged.
5. Copy the drawing on the lid into the data section of your lab notebook.
Part B: Making a relief map
1. Obtain two sections of the topographic map for your group.
2. Shade them in according to the color key from your instructor.
3. Cut out the parts of your sections along their contour lines and cut out the cardboard to
layer them into a relief map section. Glue everything together once all the layers are cut
and lined up properly.
Data/Analysis
1. Describe the general shape of contour lines.
2. What general statement can be made about the closeness of the contour lines and the
steepness of the slope?
3. How would a steep valley down the side of the volcano change the contour pattern?
4. Would it be possible to distinguish a basin from a mountain on a topographic map?
Explain.
Conclusion
What is the purpose/objective for the lab activity? What did you learn about topographic
maps? How do you produce a topographic map? How do you produce a relief map from a
topographic map? The volcano model is a replica of an actual volcano located in New
Mexico, how can you tell where it has had a major lava flow?