Mapping

Finding your way with Latitude and Longitude Coordinate Sets

Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude lines are drawn across (horizontally) on a map

• Latitude lines measure distances north and south of the equator

• Latitude coordinate range is 0-90 degrees• Longitude lines are drawn up and down

(vertically) on a map• Longitude lines measure distances east and

west of the prime meridian• Longitude range is 0-180 degrees

Latitude & LongitudeWhich is Which?

• For each coordinate, determine if it is latitude or longitude.

1. 90 N2. 55 E3. 29 S4. 12 W5. 117 S

• Let’s check our answers.

1. Latitude

2. Longitude

3. Latitude

4. Longitude

5. Latitude

Answer Choices-90º N, 45º N, 0º Latitude,45º S, 180º W, 135º W, 90º W, 45º W, 0º

Longitude, 90º S, 45º E, 90º E, 135º E, 180º E

Answers0 longitude (prime meridian)

90 N 45 E

90 E

180 E

135 E

90 S

45 S

0 latitude (Equator)

45 N

135 W

180 W

45 W

90 W

Topography

• Topographic maps/Contour maps/Relief maps• Shows elevation • Contour lines are lines on a topographic map

that connect areas of equal elevation• Index contours are darker and have elevations

written on them (usually every 5th contour line)• Use Closest index contours and find the difference, then divide the difference by the

amount of contour lines between (including 1 index contour)

• Contour interval is the amount of elevation in between each contour line (has to be calculated)

Contour Lines and Index Contours

1. How many index contours are on this topographic map?

2. What is the highest elevation?

3. How many contour lines are higher than 6100 ft?

answers:

1. One

2. 6170 feet or meters

3. three

Contour Intervals and Streams

1.How can we calculate the contour interval of this map?

2.What is the contour interval of this topographic map?

3.Streams cross contour lines and create a “V”. Which direction is this stream flowing?

4.How do you know?

Answers:

1.Calculate

2. 5800-5600=200

200/5=40

3.Toward the bottom of the screen (south)

4.Rivers cannot flow up in elevation. “V” points opposite direction from how the river flows.

PracticeThis is a drawing of the topographic map on the bottom. Use it to help you interpret the map and answer the following questions:

1.How many streams do you see? How do you know?2.Place a star on the highest elevation and a triangle on the lowest elevation.3. Calculate the contour interval using the elevation labels.