CHAPTER 5

INTERPRETING TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPS

Learning Outcomes You will learn: to interpret physical and human environments shown on topographical maps

Lead-in: Road Map to Treasure! (Answers)

1. The compass on the bottom right hand corner of the map and the series of straight lines indicate the compass directions. The map symbols represent the physical features found on the island such as the trees, rivers and mountains. The red marks on the map could be the location of the treasure. 2. The map helps me to locate my position in relation to the position of the treasure on the island. 3. I would have to constantly check my position using a compass to ensure that I am traveling in the correct direction. I would also observe the environment closely and compare it to the symbols on the map to ensure that I am moving towards the location of the treasure.

Topographical Maps
Topographical maps show the details of the

physical and human features in an area. They are used to locate specific places as well as to understand the physical and human environments of these places. What physical and human features can you see in the map?

Using Grid References to Describe Locations

Grid lines are the vertical and horizontal lines

which form a grid dividing a map into grid squares

Vertical grid lines are called eastings because their numbers increase eastward
Horizontal grid lines are called northings because their numbers increase northward A grid reference occurs at the point when an easting crosses a northing

Grid references are used to describe the location of any area or feature on a map

Using Grid References to Describe Locations: Four-Figure Grid References

A four-figure grid reference can be used to

locate the grid square of an area or a large feature on a map.

Using Grid References to Describe Locations: Six-Figure Grid References

A six-figure grid reference can be used to

find the exact location of a feature on a map

Finding Directions on a Map: Compass Points

A compass helps us to find the direction of a

place from another. Four compass points are marked on most compasses: north, south, east and west. Compass points are shown by the north arrow on maps.

Finding Directions on a Map: Compass Bearings

Compass bearings are directions measured

in degrees and are more exact than compass points. They are measured from north in a clockwise direction. o North: 0 o East: 90 o South: 180 o West: 270

Finding Directions on a Map: Compass Bearings

Finding the direction of a location using compass bearings

Measuring Distances on a Map

Measuring straight-line distance:
Use

a ruler to measure the length between two points on the map. Use the scale of the map to find the actual distance on the ground. If the scale of the map is 1: 10 000, then a length of 1 centimetre on the map means that the distance between two points is 10 000 centimetres on the ground. Another way to measure straight-line distance between two points is to mark out the distance on a piece of paper and measure it against the scale.

Measuring Distances on a Map

Measuring curved distance:

Place one end of a string at the starting point and hold it down firmly. Use the string to trace the path. When the ending point is reached, make a mark on the string. Remove the string, straighten and measure it against the scale or a ruler. Use the scale to convert the length to the actual distance on the ground.

Measuring Distances on a Map

Measuring curved distance: Another way to

measure the curved distance between two points is to use the straight edge of a piece of paper.

Interpreting the Physical Environment shown on a Topographical Map

The physical environment consists of physical

features such as plants and hills Relief refers to the physical shape and slope of the Earths surface One common way of showing relief of a particular area on a topographic map is through the use of contour lines.

Using Contours to Represent Relief

A contour is an imaginary line joining places of the same height above sea level. Contours tell us about the shape and slope of the land. Contour lines that are close together represent steep slopes. Contour lines that are far apart represent gentle slopes. When there are no contour lines or the contours are very far apart in an area, it means that the land is almost flat.

Contour Patterns and Physical Features

Hills and mountains Contours joined in a circular fashion with the contour lines increasing in height towards the centre

A hill is gently sloping and less than 600 m high

A mountain rises to a height of more than 600 m above the Earths surface

Contour Patterns and Physical Features

Valley

Contours point towards higher ground, forming an inverted V from the top to the bottom. Streams or rivers found in valleys are drawn as blue lines on maps.

Contour Patterns and Physical Features

Plateau A plateau is an upland area It has steep slopes and a flat summit

Contour Patterns and Physical Features

Ridge

A ridge is a linear or elongated upland area

Interpreting the Human Environment Shown on a Topographical Map

The human environment consists of human features such as roads, buildings and plantations. Settlements
Usually represented by black squares or rectangles on maps Using symbols, map makers are able to show the shapes and sizes of settlements and their distribution By looking at a map, it is possible to find out why a settlement has grown at a certain site

Interpreting the Human Environment Shown on a Topographical Map

Transport networks
Roads, railways and canals are shown on maps as lines Roads are usually represented by red lines Railways are usually represented by black lines Canals are usually represented by blue lines Locations of roads and railways are often affected by the relief of the land Most maps reveal the relationship between the location of roads and railways to the location of settlements

Interpreting the Human Environment Shown on a Topographical Map

Land use
Maps provide a picture of the land use in an area By checking the symbols used on the maps against the legend, we can find out the types of crops grown, the amount of land under cultivation, and the presence of any agricultural as well as industrial activities

Understanding Physical and Human Environments Shown on a Topographical Map

We can interpret the environments on a topographical map systematically by using the questions below:

Is the land steeply sloping or gently sloping?

What are the main physical features in this area? Where do people live? Why do people live where they do? How well connected are the settlements by transportation? What are the human activities carried out in the place?

Skills Builder: Suggested Answer

Additional Resources from Multimedia TEACH Resources

Photo Bank

Photo 5-1 The desert hills of the Capitol Reef National Park are gently-sloping. On a topographical map, these hills are represented by widely-spaced contour lines.

Additional Resources from Multimedia TEACH Resources

Photo Bank

Photo 5-2 A plateau (in the background) in Bruce Canyon National Park is characterised by steep slopes and a flat top.

Additional Resources from Multimedia TEACH Resources

Photo Bank

Photo 5-3 The contours of this steep-sided rock cliff would be closely spaced on a topographical map.