Maps and Computers

Maps and Computers

8th Grade Science

Surveying

Process where mapmakers determine distances and elevations using instruments and the principles of geometry.

Computers have revolutionized mapmaking:

• Mapmakers can share, process, and display data electronically

• Mapmakers can digitize data, or convert locations of map points to numbers

• automatically make maps which would take a person hours to draw

• produce maps from many data sources such as satellites and the Global Positioning System (GPS)

GPS

A method of finding latitude, longitude, and elevation of points on Earth's surface by using a network of satellites.

Satellite Images

Pictures of the Earth's surface made up of thousands of tiny dots called pixels.

Topographic Map

Map showing the surface features of an area using symbols to portray the land as if you were looking from above.

To read a topographic map, you must understand the map's scale, symbols, and contour lines.

Contour Lines

Represent elevation, relief, and slope while also connecting points of equal elevation.

Contour Lines

• Contour intervals - change in elevation from one contour line to another

• Index contours - darker line than the others and are labeled with the elevation above sea level in round units.

Uses for Topographic Maps

Topographic maps have many uses in science and engineering and are used in city and town management and recreational use also.

Multiple Choice

Match the topographic map to its profile picture.

Multiple Choice

Match the topographic map to its profile.

Multiple Choice

Determine the contour interval:

• 5 m
• 10 m
• 15 m
• 20 m

Multiple Choice

Mountains have a ....... elevation and ... relief.

• high - high

• high - low

• low - low

Multiple Choice

What is the elevation at sea level?

• 0
• 100m
• 20m
• 3000m

Multiple Choice

The height above sea level is called

• topographic
• contour
• elevation
• depth

Multiple Choice

On a topographic map of a mountain, you walk a longer distance to get to the top when the contour lines are

• spread out
• close together
• going down
• going up

Multiple Choice

If contour lines are close together, then the slope is

• gentle
• steep
• flat
• going up and down

Multiple Choice

What term means "how much above or below sea level a feature is"?

• elevation

• key

• compass rose

• convert

Multiple Choice

The shape of the land

• mountain

• ocean

• landform

• sea