INTRODUCTION TO THEME

On this web page I am simply introducing the theme of topography, defining topographic maps, and ways to distinguish items on the maps. This information was taken from: Johnston, P., Aber, S., & Ye, H. (1996). Introduction to earth science lab. Edina, MN: Burgess Publishing Inc.

• First of all,topography is the configuration of the land surface, represented by contour lines, which will be further explained on the content page.
• To understand topographic maps, contour, township, and range lines must all be discussed.
• Spot elevations are are given to the nearest foot or meter.
• "Contour lines enable you to find an elevation on a topographic map, but to describe a specific location, latitude-longitude or township-range lines are used" (Johnston, Aber, & Ye, 1996, p. 58).
• "Topographic maps not only provide location and elevation information, but can also show geomorphic features, such as those created by streams or glaciers" (Johnston, Aber, & Ye, 1996, p. 65).