Topographic Map Assignment
Description:
Unit 1 has given us some of the skills it takes to make a good map. In this assignment you will
put those skills to use by creating your own simple topographic map. Following the directions
below, you will create a map that fits exact specifications by putting to practice skills learned
such as the fundamentals of good map design (North arrow, border, scale, date, title, legend),
knowledge of topographic symbols and using compass directions.
Instructions:
1 On a blank sheet of paper (portrait orientation) draw a rectangular box measuring 19cm from
east to west and 14cm from north to south. Try to center it on the paper.
2 Inside the box include a North Arrow (top right) and a scale of 1:50 000 (along bottom).
3 In your border draw a map of the following landscape. Use correct symbols and colours on
your map.
4 A road 3km from the top of the map, extends across in an east-west direction. This road,
Route Number 10, is a hard surfaced, all weather, two lane highway.
5 The highway is paralleled on its north side by a double track railway. The railway runs 1km
north of the highway and stretches across the entire map. A railway station is located 3km from
the western edge of the map.
6 Exactly 5km southeast of the railway station is a built up urban area. The roads in this area
are perfectly square forming blocks with a length and width of 0.5km. Draw 7 blocks in any
configuration.
7 Two lane roads in this community are all weather and hard surfaced. A dual highway running
north connects the community to Route Number 10 with an interchange.
8 Within the built up area the following features are found.
9 A cemetery located in the southeast block.
10 A school and a church in the center of a block.
11 Houses are located along the sides of each road with a maximum of seven houses and a
minimum of four houses per/ block.
12 A telegraph and post office are located in the northwest block.
13 A power transmission line and a telephone line enter the community from the west.
14 A large oval shaped marsh, 3km long and 2km wide is found right in the northwest corner of
the map, north of the railway.
15 The marsh is drained by a winding stream flowing east across the map in a narrow valley.
16 There is a wooded area that covers the north bank of the stream that is 0.5km wide and it
follows the entire stream.
17. Create a legend that explains the meaning of all symbols used on the map. The legend can
be located below the map in a neatly bordered box.
DONE!