Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc.

Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc.
1210B Salazar Road  -  Taos, NM USA 87571
Phone: (800) 293-2725 or (575) 758-5535  -  Fax: (575) 758-5536
E-mail:  info@tasagraphicarts.com

Introduction To Topographic Map Activities
Program Navigation Worksheet Answer Sheet
Advanced Level: 7th - 9th grade


These activities were created as supplemental material for the Introduction to Topographic Maps CD-ROM.
Back to Introduction to Topographic Maps - Teacher Lesson Plans page

Directions

As you progress through each chapter in the Introduction to Topographic Maps CD-ROM, answer the questions and complete the exercises. Double click on the hard drive icon. Double click on the folder marked "Topo map." Double click on the TASA icon and that will bring you to the buttons used to run the programs. Note which buttons move you forward, backward, and back to the Main menu. Click on the arrow forward and you will be at the main menu. Double click on the word "INTRODUCTION" and answer the questions. REMEMBER: Not all frames have questions. Look for the exact wording to find the right answer.
A. Click on "Introduction" and answer questions 1-6.
1. What is an aerial view?

An overhead view

2. What is the purpose of a topographic map?

To illustrate physical and cultural features that occur on Earth's surface

3. How are topographic maps used as tools?

Geologic and land use studies, planning, and construction

4. Earth scientists use topographic maps to determine four things
a. To determine locations

b. Elevation

c. Landforms

d. Other physical data
5. Who produces topographic maps in the United States?

USGS, United States Geological Survey

6. Approximately when were topographic maps first created?

Late 1800's
B. Return to the main menu after answering question 6. Click on "Map Scale" and answer questions 7-11.
7. What is the purpose of a map scale?

To show relation between distance on the map and true distance on Earth

8. Look at the examples of the room map, neighborhood map, and the highway map and explain why it is necessary to have different scales for these maps.

Maps have to show change in size from a small area to a large area

9. Where is the map scale located on a topographic map?

Center of the lower margin of the map

10. What are two ways that are used to express map scales?

Fractional and graphic bar scale

11. Answer the four sample questions on map scale.
a. C, about 7 miles

b. B, about 11 km

c. Map C

d. Map A
C. Return to the main menu after answering question 11. Click on "Latitude and Longitude" and answer questions 12-20.
12. What are two methods used on topographic maps to indicate locations?

Latitude and longitude and Public Land Survey

13. Define latitude and explain how it is measured.

Latitude is the distance north and south of the equator. It is measured as an angle from the center of Earth, north and south of the equator.

14. 0 degrees latitude is located where?

Equator

15. 90 North degrees latitude is located where?

North pole

16. Lines of latitude are also called?

Parallels

17. Define longitude and explain how it is measured.

Longitude is the distance from the prime meridian. It is measured as an angle from the center of Earth, west and east of the prime meridian.

18. 0 degrees longitude is called?

Prime meridian

19. Longitude lines are also called?

Meridians

20. Longitude is measured in degrees and also smaller measurements of minutes (') and seconds ("). What is the exact location of Paris in degrees, minutes, and seconds?

Latitude 48 degrees 27'50"N; Longitude 2 degrees 8'42"E
D. Return to the main menu after answering question 20. Click on "Principles of Contour Lines" and answer questions 21-30.
21. Define topography.

The shape of the land

22. What information does a topographic map show to scale?

Width, length, and variable height above or below a reference plane

23. Most topographic map reference plane is usually general mean

sea level.

24. What is a contour line?

Line that connects points of equal elevation

25. Define datum.

Average sea level
REVIEW THE SEVEN RULES USING CONTOUR LINES. THESE RULES WILL BE USED TO CREATE YOUR OWN TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS.
26. What is a contour interval?

Vertical change between one contour line and the next

27. What is an index contour?

Every fifth contour line and is printed as a bold line

28. What do the initials B.M. mean in reference to topographic maps?

Bench Mark or reference points of elevation

29. Answer the two sample questions.
a. D 5512

b. C 5378
30. In addition to indicating elevation, contour lines can be used to determine the directions

that      Rivers      and      Streams      flow.
E. Return to the main menu after answering question 30. Click on "Using Contour Lines" and answer questions 31-36.
31. List three important uses of contour lines.
a. Determining elevation of points or planes

b. Measuring the relief of the land

c. Calculating the slope of the land
PRACTICE DETERMINING CONTOUR INTERVALS AND ELEVATION.
32. What is a relief?

Difference in elevation between two points

33. What is the total relief?

Difference between highest and lowest points on the map

34. What is local relief?

Difference in elevation between two specified points

35. What is the slope?

Change in elevation between two places divided by the horizontal distance between the places

36. Answer sample questions on local relief. Look for the exact wording in "Using Contour Lines".
a. Choosing from the answers provided below, indicate the contour interval used for this map by dragging the correct answer to the box provided.

20 feet

b. Now, indicate the correct elevation for points A, B, C, and D by dragging the correct answers to the boxes provided.

A     160 feet

B.    250 feet

C.    60 feet

D.    150 feet

c. What is the local relief between the top of Mt. Carlos and the benchmark (BM) located in the northwest corner of this map?

212 feet

d. What is the slope per mile for slope B?

220 feet/mile
F. Return to the main menu after answering question 36. Click on "Topographic Profile" and answer question 37.
37. Define topographic profile.

Translate the overhead view into a side (profile) view
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON DRAWING A PROFILE MAP AND COMPLETE AN EXAMPLE.
G. Return to the main menu after answering question 37. Click on "Drawing a Contour Map" and practice drawing a simple contour map. Note: If you have extra time, draw more complex maps.
H. Return to the main menu after drawing a contour map. Click on "Review" and test what you have learned.
I. For further information, return to the main menu, click on "For Your Information" and go through questions 1-9.
IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH DEFINITIONS, GO TO "GLOSSARY" FOR HELP.
©Judy Richeson 7/24/01


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