Topographic Maps and Satellite Views

TEKS 8.9C interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosional

features and predict how these features may be reshaped by

weathering.

Cartographers (map makers) use data from aerial photos and remote sensing to

create maps of landforms.

Satellites orbiting the

Earth photograph

the surface to provide views of the Earth we normally would not be able to see.

The photos from satellites correlate to maps that show the

shape and elevation of a given area.

These are called

topographic maps.

Topographic maps are useful because they model the three-dimensional land using lines and symbols.

Topographic maps show the location and

shape of landforms using contour lines.

Contour lines are imaginary lines that connect points with the same elevation.

Each contour line represents one

elevation.

Contour lines never cross.

Differences in elevation are

shown with the spacing between

contour lines. This is called the contour

interval.

Closely spaced

contours represent steep slopes.

Widely spaced contour lines

represent gentle slopes.

When contour lines cross a stream or river, the lines are bent to form a “V”

shape. uphill

downhill

Direction of water flow

The “V” points uphill

or upstream.

So the tip of the “V” points

opposite the direction the

stream or river is flowing.