A map is a two-dimensional representation of the Earth's surface that uses symbols, scales, and coordinate systems like latitude and longitude to convey spatial information. There are different types of maps, including topographic maps, which show elevation changes through contour lines connecting points of equal height. Topographic maps are useful for understanding both natural and man-made physical features of an area.
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Module - Map Reading
A map is a two-dimensional representation of the Earth's surface that uses symbols, scales, and coordinate systems like latitude and longitude to convey spatial information. There are different types of maps, including topographic maps, which show elevation changes through contour lines connecting points of equal height. Topographic maps are useful for understanding both natural and man-made physical features of an area.
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MAP
A map is a two-dimensional representation of the Earth’s surface.
There are different types of maps depending on what information
about a certain place needs to be highlighted or emphasized.
MAP Basic Elements of a Map
1.Legend – tells the meaning of the symbols used
on a map. 2.Orientation – the direction of the map based on a reference point. 3.Scale - the relationship between a distance of two points on the map and the corresponding distance of these same points in reality on the ground. TOPOGRAPHIC MAP There are two types of scale – bar and ratio scales. An example of ratio scale is 1:50,000. This means, 1 unit of measurement (e.g. centimeter) on the map is equal to 50,000 of the same units on the ground.
1:50,000 MAP Other Basic Elements of a Map
4. Coordinate system- consists of latitude and
longitude developed by ancient geographers to answer the question of one’s location, “Where am I?”. A. Latitude lines run horizontally. Latitude lines are also called parallels since they are parallel and at equal distance from each other. Each degree of latitude is approximately 111 km apart numbered from 0° to 90°, north and south. Zero degrees latitude is the equator, the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the northern and southern hemispheres. MAP Other Basic Elements of a Map
4. Coordinate system
B. Longitude lines are vertical lines, also known
as meridians. These lines converge at the poles and are widest at the equator (about 111 km apart). Zero degrees (0°) longitude is located at Greenwich, England. The degrees continue 180° east and 180° west where they meet and form the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
A topographic map shows relief or changes in
elevation, illustrating three-dimensional features like mountains and valleys as two- dimensional on a flat piece of paper. TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
5. Contour lines (also called elevation contours or
level lines) - lines that connect points of equal elevation. Elevation is referenced from sea level, which is zero elevation.
Contour lines are usually drawn at constant
intervals, such as every 20 meters or every 100 meters, called Contour Interval. TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
A topographic map can be used for a variety of
things. It can give a clear understanding of physical features such as mountains, hills, valleys and plains, and how these features influenced the placement of man-made features like roads, bridges, telecommunications towers, residential areas, and even military camps/outposts.