TASA Topographic
Map Activity
Name __________________________________
Date _________________________ Per. _____
Directions
As you progress through each chapter in the Introduction to Topographic Maps CD-ROM, answer the questions and
complete the exercises. Once logged onto the computer, turn sound off, and follow these this flow chart to get to the
program:
Double click “My Computer”  “C:” Drive  “Program Files”  “TASA Graphics”  Topographic Maps.”
Click on the word "INTRODUCTION" and start the program. REMEMBER: Not all frames have questions. Look
for the exact wording to find the right answer. The number in parentheses after the question refers to the slide
number on the program.
A. Introduction (1)
1. Why are maps important? (2)
2. What do topographic maps illustrate? (7)
3. Earth scientists use topographic maps to determine four things: (8)
a. ______________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________________________
d. ______________________________________________________________________
4. Who produces topographic maps in the United States? (10)
5. Approximately when were topographic maps first created? (10)
B. General Topographic Map Information
6. What is true north? (21)
7. What is magnetic north? (22)
8. What is magnetic declination? (25)
9. What does each color on a topographic map represent? (29-35)
red- _________________________________________________
black- _______________________________________________
salmon- ______________________________________________
green- _______________________________________________
blue- ________________________________________________
brown- _______________________________________________
purple- _______________________________________________
C. Map Scale (49)
10. Where is the scale shown on topographic maps? (54)
D. Principles of Contour Lines (142)
11. What is the meaning of topography? (143)
TASA Topographic
Map Activity
Name __________________________________
Date _________________________ Per. _____
12. What information does a topographic map show to scale? (144)
13. Most topographic map reference plane is usually general mean (144)
14. What is a contour line? (145)
15. Define datum. (146)
16. Rules of contour lines:
1. _________________________________________________________________ (152)
2. _______________________________________________________________________ (153)
3. _______________________________________________________________________ (154)
4. _______________________________________________________________________ (155)
5. _______________________________________________________________________ (156)
6. _______________________________________________________________________ (157)
7. _________________________________________________________________ (158)
17. What is a contour interval? (161)
18. What is an index contour? (164)
19. What are bench marks? (165)
E. Using Contour Lines (173)
20. What are the uses of contour lines? (174)
a. ______________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________________________
21. What is the contour interval of the map on Page 177?
22. What are the designated elevations of the landform on Page 178?
A _____________
B ____________
C______________
D ____________
23. What is relief? (180)
24. What is total relief? (181)
25. What is the local relief between the top of Mt. St. Carlos and the bench mark in the northwest corner
of the map? (183)