Topographic Map Geography Assessment

Problem 1--Finding your way around a topographic map

The lab book (see pgs) and short videos above will aid you in answering the following:

1. Latitude : Using the image provided, locate and draw the following 
2. Zero degrees latitude
3. 90 degrees latitude
4. Longitude: locate the following
5. Prime meridian
6. International date line (will be on the other side of the blue sphere so just point with an arrow and state what degree of longitude it is)
7. Degrees, minutes, and seconds (pg82): Each degree of latitude is approximately 69 miles.The symbol is (Each degree of latitude (or longitude is divided into minutes (') and each minute is divided into seconds (").For example, N 23?30' is the same thing as saying 23 and a half degrees north of the equator. Nothing to answer here.
8. Quadrangle maps (pg84): Describe a 15 minute and a 71/2 minute map.
9. What is magnetic declination (pg85)?
10. What is the difference between a ratio scale and a bar scale

Problem 2--Topographic Map features-using the map on pages 414-415 of your lab book, determine the following:

• What is the ratio scale of this map?
• What is the name of this map?
• What is the latitude on the north boundary of this map?
• What is the latitude on the south boundary of this map?
• What is the longitude on the east boundary of this map?
• What is the longitude on the west boundary of this map?
• What is the distance in minutes and seconds from the top to the bottom of the map?
• What is the distance in minutes and seconds from the east to the west side of this map?
• Is this a 60', a 15', or a 7.5' minute map?
• Look for bench marks (BM orand spot elevations (X) on the map.These elevations are surveyed elevations.Find the following:
• BM located on the northernmost portion of the union Pacific railroad track
• Spot elevation inside the south buttelocated on the crater rim of the north butte
• What county are the buttes in?

Problem 3--Contour Maps Using chapter 6 from your lab book, answer the following:

1. Define contour map (pg95)
2. What is contour interval? What color are contour line on a map?  What is index contour? 
3. Do contour line ever intersect or cross? Why or why not? 
4. What does a series of concentric, closed contour loops represent? 
5. When using the "rule of the V's", what does it mean "the "v" will point upstream"? 
6. What is relief? 
7. What is a topographic profile? 

Look at the figures on pages 101-102, AND THE "RULES" on page 98.Then answer the questions from these specific exercises (pgs 104-112).Use the figures provided in your lab book and answer the questions below:You will have to complete the figures in order to properly answer the questions.

• What do the extra heavy line represent?
• What is the index contour interval?
• What is the ordinary contour interval?
• Why are the lines closer at one edge?
• What direction is uphill?
• What is the contour interval?
• What is the landscape feature?
• If the contour interval is 20 feet, what is the elevation of the spot marked "X"?
• What is the topographic feature at point X?
• What is the topographic feature at point Y?
• Which direction is uphill? How do you know?
• What is the contour interval?
• What is the approximate relief in the area?