Topographical Maps Notes

Topographical Maps

Definition

A topographical map is a map showing physical and man-made surface features.

Map Scale

A scale of 1:50,000 implies that the Earth's surface has been reduced 50,000 times. All maps have a reduction ratio.

Map Elements

1. Title: The official title of the map, including the map sheet number and the name of the settlement on the map.

2. Scale: Indicates the map scale. For topographical map series, it will typically be 1:50,000.

3. Magnetic Declination: Provides information required when working with magnetic bearings.

4. Publisher: Identifies who published the map and holds the copyright.

5. Line Scale: A line scale offers a simple way to measure distances on the map.

6. Contour Interval: The distance between contours on the map. For 1:50,000 topographical maps, this is 20 meters.

7. Index to Sheets: Shows where the map sheet occurs in the map series. Important for map orientation.

8. Legend: A key to the conventional symbols used on the map, with both English and Afrikaans words provided.

9. Latitude: Border along the sides of the map, labelled every fifth minute.

10. Longitude: Border along the top and bottom of the map, labelled every fifth minute.

Map Symbols (Conventional Signs)

Map symbols represent real-life features and objects.

Color Specific:

• Green: Vegetation

• Brown: Contours

• Blue: Water

• Red: Human-made features

• Grey & Black: Human-made features

• White: Natural veld

Symbol Specific:

• Point

• Line

• Area