Maps

1. Maps

2. Maps • A map is a symbolic representation of the surface of a planet • There are many different ways this representation can be accomplished • Maps vary in the information they carry • Maps vary in the way they present that information • That is, the same information can be presented in different ways

3. How to read maps • Give this variation, how do you know how to read maps? • The legend • Example: the representation of elevation, i.e., topography • Pictographs (Drawing hills) • Hachure = density of hachure represents slope • Hypsometry = contour lines • Hypsometric tinting = color represents elevation • Shaded relief = shadows indicate height of relief

4. Simply draw in the mountains

5. Map of Mount Shasta, California 1883

6. Map of the moon showing hypsometric tinting

7. Hypsometric tinting with contour lines

8. USGS Topographic 1:24,000 quadrangle map showing contour lines

9. Shaded relief compared to traditional contours: Lake Mead

10. Contour lines • Contour lines mark lines of constant elevation. • They never cross, but can overlap • Closed depressions are often indicated by contours that have tick marks pointing inward • Bundles of lines close together indicate steep slopes • Few lines far apart indicate relatively flat ground • Choice of interval can be difficult if there are both flat and steep areas in the same map • The contour interval should appear in the legend • Contour interval can be calculated from the labeled contour lines

11. USGS Map legends

12. Topographic

13. Land survey systems

14. Land Surface Features

15. Roads and Buildings

16. Mines, Caves, Lakes