Topographic Mapping Notes

Introduction to Topographic Mapping

  • Map: A simplified version of reality for recording information about the Earth's surface.

    • Elements (BOLTSS):

      • Border

      • Orientation

      • Legend

      • Title

      • Scale

      • Source

Scale

  • Scale: The relationship between real and map distance.

    • Small-scale maps: Show less detail over large areas (e.g., 1:10000000).

    • Large-scale maps: Show more detail over small areas (e.g., 1:10000).

The Grid System

  • Grid System: Horizontal and vertical lines for position.

    • Eastings: Vertical lines, numbers increase eastward.

    • Northings: Horizontal lines, numbers increase northward.

    • Area Reference (4 digits): Identifies the grid square.

    • Grid Reference (6 digits): More specific location within a grid square.

    • Write Eastings THEN Northings.

Latitude and Longitude

  • Latitude: North-south measurement from the Equator.

  • Longitude: East-west measurement from the Prime Meridian.

  • Write Latitude THEN Longitude.

Topographic Maps

  • Large-scale maps with quantitative representation of relief using contour lines.

Describing Land Use

  • Land use refers to activities in an area (e.g., agriculture, tourism).

Colours and Features

  • Black: Human-made features.

  • Red: Built-up areas, relief features, elevation.

  • Brown: Contour lines.

  • Green: Vegetation.

  • Blue: Water features.

Contours Indicating Landforms

  • Examples: Hill, Cliff, River Valley, Plateaus, Ridge, Saddle, Flat land/Gentle Slopes.

Slope of the Land

  • Uniform, Concave, and Convex Slopes

Settlement Patterns

  • Nucleated, Linear, Dispersed, Isolated.

Calculations

  • Time-Distance Relationships:

    • Time=Distance/SpeedTime = Distance / Speed

  • Travelling Speed

Gradients

  • Gradient=Difference in height/Horizontal distanceGradient = Difference\ in\ height / Horizontal\ distance

Site

  • Site refers to the physical/natural features of the land.

    • Height (Relief)

    • Shape (Topography)

    • Drainage (water features)

    • Vegetation

    • Use correct geographical terminology.

Situation

  • Situation describes the location in relation to other features.

    • Distance and direction to other features.

    • Absolute Location (latitude and longitude).

    • Location relative to transport routes.