Chapter 3, Section 3
Standards
IE 1h. Read and Interpret topographic and geologic maps.
Objective 1
Explain how elevation and topography
are shown on a map.
Objective 2
Describe three types of information
shown in geologic maps.
Assessment
Mapping Practice Sheet, Daily Quiz,
Chapter Test
Review
Daily Bellwork, Science Starters,
Standards Practice
Key Terms
Create a flash card for the following key terms (p. 63 in
textbook):
 Topography
 Elevation
 Contour line
 Relief
If you finish early, study your flash cards!
Topographic Maps
• Topographic maps show the surface
features of a location.
• They include rivers, hills, roads, and
more.
• A topographic map also shows
elevation = height above sea level.
Animated Topographic Maps
Topographic Maps
The lines show the contours
and elevation of the island.
Advantages of Topographic Maps
Detailed info about
surface features
Show’s size and
shape
Show’s elevation
Elevation on Topographic Maps
• Contour Lines are used to show elevation.
• Contour Lines are the wavy lines and each line
represents a new elevation (height from sea
level).
• The difference in elevation between one
contour line and the next is called the contour
interval.
• Relief is the difference in elevation between
the highest and lowest points of the area
being mapped.
Contour Lines
Contour Lines
Quick Check!!
1. A __________ _________ is the difference in
elevation between one contour line and the
next.
2. Name an advantage of a topographic map.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Landforms on Topographic Maps
• Contour lines spaced widely apart
indicate a gradual change in
elevation, whereas lines close
together indicate and rapid change in
elevation or a steep slope.
• A ‘V’ shape indicates a valley, the
point is the highest end.
Practice
• What kind of landform
is represented by this
contour map:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Lake
Canyon
Hill
Valley
• What is the lowest
elevation on the map?
________
• What is the elevation
of point A?_________
Practice
• What kind of landform
is represented by this
contour map:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Lake
Canyon
Hill
Valley
• What is the lowest
elevation on the map?
________
• What is the elevation
of point A?_________
Topographic Map Symbols
•
•
•
•
Buildings, boundaries, roads = black.
Major highways = red.
Water = blue.
Forests = green
INTERACTIVE!
• Frayer Diagram: TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS
• Complete and then tape/glue onto interactive side of
your notebook.
Definition
Illustration
Topographic
Maps
Advantages
Contour Lines
Geologic Maps
• Geologic maps show types of rocks and the
locations of faults, folds, and other
structures.
• Geologic Units are a volume (section) of
rock from the same age range and rock
type and are shown in the same color.
• Letters are also used to label the types and
ages of the rock on the map.
• Used by engineers, geologists, developers
Geologic Maps
• Contact Lines—places at which 2
geologic units meet.
• The place at which 2 geological units
meet is called a “Contact”.
– 2 main types of Contacts are: faults and
depositional contacts (one layer of rock formed on
top of another)
Assessment
Playdoh Mountains
Daily Quiz