“Fantasy Island”
Topographic Map project
Have you ever wanted your own space – where you were in charge? If you could
create the ideal space, what would it be? Here’s your chance. Create your own
“fantasy island.” What type of climate would you like? What activities could you do
there? What would you name your island? Think of a theme or mantra for your island
and build on that!
I.
Depict your “fantasy island” by drawing a topographic map of your island
adhering to the rules of contour lines. Think about the type of climate and
activities you would like for your island. Use these considerations when drawing
your map and deciding on a location (latitude & longitude and ocean currents) for
your island.
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II.
Use an 8 ½” x 11” piece of copy paper as the basis for your map.
Use map colors to neatly draw and enhance your map and its features.
Include the following on your island map:
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TITLE – name of your “fantasy island”
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COMPASS ROSE
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LATITUDE & LONGITUDE LINES to indicate the location of your island
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use a minimum of at least 10 CONTOUR LINES
 at least two hachure lines
 index contours are properly numbered
 contour lines show direction of stream flow
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LAND FORM FEATURES
 stream
 bay
 depression
 ocean
 ocean currents affecting your “fantasy island”
 you may add additional features if you wish
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LAND USE FEATURES identified with USGS topographic symbols i.e.
roads, railroads, schools, government building, etc… Identify at least
four of these features on your map.
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LEGEND – use USGS topographic map symbols
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CONTOUR INTERVAL (CI) identified
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three MAP SCALES should be used and in agreement (RF
[representative fraction],verbal, and graphic scale)
AB LINE – draw a line across your map to best indicate the topography of
your island (this line will be use to draw a topographic profile of your map
which will be located on the bottom edge of your map)
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III.
Draw a TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE along the AB LINE drawn on your map (the
profile should be drawn to scale)
Now that your map is complete, invite people to your island!
IV.
Create a TRAVEL BROCHURE to entice travelers to visit your island. Your
brochure should describe:
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The LOCATION of your island
The CLIMATE which should be in agreement with your island’s latitude &
longitude location and affecting ocean currents
Type of VEGETATION which should be in agreement with your island’s
latitude & longitude location and affecting ocean currents
Type of TOPOGRAPHY of your island which should be in agreement with
your topographic profile at the bottom of your map
ACTIVITIES that your island is known for which should be in agreement
with your island’s location, climate, vegetation, and topography
Sources:
USGS Topographic Map Symbols http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/symbols/topomapsymbols.pdf