Topographical Maps

Emphasis on Glacial Features1

Basic Definitions Topography refers to the elevation and relief of the Earth’s

surface. Landforms are the topographic features on the Earth’s sur-

face. Geomorphology is the study of earth surface processes and

landforms.

2

Topographic Elevation map Infrared Aerial Photo Surface Sediments and

Geomorphology

This location is interesting because it contains elements of a natural and human altered physical environment. The lake in the image, (coded blue in the topographic and

geology map, and black in the infrared aerial photo) was formed by artificial damming a stream the flows through this landscape.

Topography

Blue Ridge

Piedmon

t

Coasta

l

Plain

Where photo-

graph was taken

Truncated spurs

U shaped valley

Misfit stream Flat glacial

trough; no con-tour lines

Cirque

Contour lines sug-gest height moun-tains, where cirques

are found

Ribbon Lake

Arête

CirqueTopographic Map of Crib Goch

Topographic map of Mount Wilbur

Ribbon Lake

Glacial Horn

Cirque

U-shape Valley?

What is a topographic map? A topographic map, also known as a

contour map, is a map that shows the shape of the land using contour line.

It is a map that shows and elevation field, meaning how high and low the ground is in relation to sea level.

What are contour lines? Contour lines are lines that connect

points that are of the same elevation. They show the exact elevation, the

shape of the land, and the steepness of the land’s slope.

Contour lines never touch or cross.

What if my contour lines are far apart?

If the contour lines are far apart, then that indicates the land has a gentle slope (low slope).

What if my contour lines are close together?

If the contour lines are close together, then that indicates that area has a steep slope.

What do the dark colored con-tour lines mean?

The dark colored contour lines repre-sent every fifth contour line to make it easier to read the map.

Creating a 3d Model From a Contour Map

-Work in groups of TWO only-Use the template provided-Divide up the work… save time!

14