Topographic map

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/topographic-map

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary cartographic characteristic?Quantitative representation of relief using contour lines
2. What is the key data depicted?Natural features (terrain, drainage, vegetation) and man-made features (infrastructure, administrative boundaries)
3. How do contour lines show how steep a hill is?When contour lines are close together, the hill is steep. When the lines are far apart, the hill is gentle or flat.
4. Why are topographic maps useful for hiking?They show mountains, valleys, rivers, and buildings, so you can plan safe routes and know how much you have to climb.

Geodetic Datum: A reference system used to define the size and shape of the Earth for accurate mapping and surveying.
Map Projection: A systematic transformation of the latitudes and longitudes of locations from the surface of a sphere or spheroid to a plane.
Planimetric Map: A map that shows only the horizontal positions of features, omitting elevation data.