Understanding Topographic Maps and Earth Projections

The video tutorial introduces the Land Information New Zealand office and cartography, focusing on how Earth's shape affects map-making. It explains that Earth is not a perfect sphere but a geoid, and how scientists use a geodetic datum to create maps. The process of map projection is demonstrated using an orange to represent Earth. The tutorial also covers topographic maps, highlighting their features, including man-made and natural symbols, and how these are represented on maps.

Who is Richard Freeman?

• A geologist

• A cartographer

• A historian

• A surveyor

What is the actual shape of the Earth?

• A perfect sphere

• A flat disc

• A lumpy and bumpy geoid

• A cube

What is a geodetic datum?

• A method for predicting weather

• A grid system used to fit the Earth's surface

• A type of map

• A tool for measuring distances

How is the Earth's surface projected onto a flat map?

• By compressing the Earth

• By using a globe

• By folding the Earth

• By unraveling the Earth's surface

What is a topographic map?

• A map showing only man-made features

• A map showing only natural features

• A detailed representation of the Earth's surface in 2D

• A map showing weather patterns

What do blue lines on a topographic map represent?

• Roads

• Mountains

• Rivers and streams

• Buildings

What is the purpose of the symbol legend on a map?

• To indicate the map's age

• To show the map's orientation

• To explain the symbols used on the map

• To provide a scale

How are wider main roads depicted on a topographic map?

• With a different color

• With dashed lines

• With a thicker line

• With a dotted line

What do green polygons on a topographic map indicate?

• Water bodies

• Deserts

• Foliage shapes

• Urban areas

What features are depicted on a topographic map?

• Only weather patterns

• Both man-made and natural features

• Only man-made features

• Only natural features