How to Read a Map: Notes on Map Analysis Entry #12

Geologic features on Earth can be identified with the use of aerial photography (from the air), satellite imagery, and topographic maps.

MountainsRiversDeltasLakesFarmlandCoastal Areas

Geologic Features:

High-flying aircraft & satellites high above Earth use sensors & cameras to gather information about Earth’s landforms.

How are maps made?

Computers create images from the data and scientists identify features by shapes and colors on the image.

How are features found?

* Maps using symbols to show elevation of

land.* A view from directly above the land.* Scale, symbols, and contour lines are important terms for understanding these maps.

Topographic Maps

A map is a representation of the Earth, or part of it.

The shape of the Earth's surface is shown by contour lines, imaginary lines that show elevation.

Contour lines make it possible to measure the height of mountains, depths of the ocean bottom, and steepness of slopes.

Topographic Maps

Symbols

Contour lines-

Lines that run parallel on a topo map and show the elevation of the area in the map.

Contour intervals-

How far apart the contour lines are.

To figure this out you must do the following…

Highest #

– Lowest #

the difference between the points

Now do this…..

Difference =

The number of spaces between A&B

What is the contour interval of this map?

•Use various colors of light to snap an aerial photo of Earth.

Usually taken during winter to see many landforms and areas.

Infrared Maps

Infrared Maps

Red= pine trees, evergreens, winter rye

Bluish-gray=dormant vegetation (oak, hickory, gum, etc)

Light blue = cities or water with much sediment

Dark blue= water with some sediment

Black=water with little sediment, if any

White=sand, exposed rock areas

Infrared Color Key