Map and mapping Techniques

2019

Salih U. (Msc in Hydrogeology

MAPS AND MAPPING TECHNIQUES

- To read and understand maps

- To know how to prepare and
produce maps
Thick sequence of rocks exposed on the surface after
deformation, uplift & erosion
Map- it can be defined as a diagrammatic
representation of the earth’s surface, or part of it,
showing the geographic positions etc of features
such as- towns, roads, relief (topography), rocks,
soils, vegetation, precipitation, water bodies, wild
life and many other natural and cultural resources.
Topographic map- reveal the shape of a
landscape such as , size, position, and relation
of the physical features of an area (e.g. mountains,
hills, valleys and rivers).
Topographic maps

Topographic map
 Geologic maps
Geologic maps are show the
 location of the formations (The distribution
of different rock types and contact on a
geological map )
 structural (faults and fold )
 Many geologic maps have columnar
sections that show the various formations,
their thicknesses, and their stratigraphic
relationships to other formations.
Geological Map
Aerial photo- is a photographic picture of the ground
taken from high altitude &, usually, with the camera
pointing vertically down
Satellite image- is an image produced from satellites
that have remote sensing devices. The devices are
designed to detect various radiations coming from the
earth

Satellite image- Aerial photo

Mapping Technique- is a practical method, skill or
art of mapping. It is to develop geological mapping
skills including:
o field application of geological principles
o field measurement and interpretation of geological
features
o field compilation of data
o construction and interpretation of geological maps
o report and scientific paper writing
(+ GIS and RS application skills)
Why make maps?
 To represent a larger area than we can see
 To show a phenomenon or process we can’t
see with our eyes
 To present information concisely/ at short or
quickly/
 To show spatial relationships
To represent a larger area than we can see
To show a phenomenon or process we can’t see with
our eyes
Present information briefly
Show spatial relationships
 Types of Maps

There are two basic categories of maps:

General Maps
Thematic Maps.
The following is a list of each major map type used by geographers and a
description of what they are and an example of each kind
 Political Map: A political map does not show any topographic
features. It instead focuses solely on the state and national
boundaries of a place. Eg. (map of the United States).
Cot…
Physical Map: A physical map is one that
shows the physical landscape features of a
place. They generally show things like
mountains, rivers and lakes and water is
always shown with blue.
Low elevation coastal regions are shown in
dark green, while the higher elevations
transition from orange to dark brown. Eg.
map of Hawaii
Cont…
Topographic Map: A topographic map is
similar to a physical map in that it shows
different physical landscape features. They
are different however because they use
contour lines instead of colors to show
changes in the landscape. eg. (
map of the Big Island)
Cont…
Climate Map: A climate map shows
information about the climate of an area.
 These maps normally use colors to show
different climatic areas. eg.
climate map for Australia
Cont…
Economic or Resource Map: An economic or
resource map shows the specific type of economic
activity or natural resources present in an area
through the use of different symbols or colors
depending on what is being shown on the map. Eg. (
map of Brazil).
Cont…
Road Map: A road map is one of the most
widely used map types. These maps show
major and minor highways and roads
(depending on detail) as well as things like
airports, city locations and points of interest
like parks, campgrounds and monuments..
Eg. (map of San Francisco).
Cont…
Thematic Map: A thematic map is a map
that focuses on a particular theme or
special topic and they are different from the
six general reference maps which discussed.
Base map
Base map is a working map in which all available
information can be plotted prior to field work
 Base map can be prepared from aerial
photographs
Compile and analyze the collected
data/information
Prepare base map and plot all the available
information on it. Based on the identified check
points decide number and direction of traverse
line prior to the field trip
Basic elements of map

Almost all maps must include certain basic

elements that provide the reader with critical
information.
Elements that are founds on Virtually all
Maps:
Title
North Arrow
Scale
 Legend
Latitude and Longitude
A. Title
for acquiring information efficiently
identifies the map area and the type of
map.

B. Legend
Another important feature on a map is the
legend or map key.
Information needed to read a map is found in
the map legend.
Most maps use symbols or colors to
represent different geographic features.
The map legend helps determine what the
symbols and colors mean.
C. Grid Coordinates of Latitude and
Longitude

 Latitude is measured north and south from the

equator
longitude is measured east and west from the
prime meridian
 Another system of grid coordinates, known as
UTM Grid (Universal Transverse Mercator
Grid) is also used in maps. Grid references are
given using N-S and E-W numbered lines that
are spaced at 1000 m interval
D. Scale
Map scale refers to the relationship (or ratio) between
distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the
ground. For example, on a 1:100,000 scale map, 1cm on
the map equals 1km on the ground
Distance and scale can be indicated in a
variety of ways on a map in verbal, numeric,
or graphic form.
EX. Calculating Ground Distance from
Topographic Map with RF/Ratio Scale
Suppose I have a map with a scale of 1:50,000. On this map,
I measure the distance from the homestead/farmhouse to the
road junction as 2.5 cm. To find the ground distance in the
real world, I must use the map's Rate scale to convert map
distance to ground distance.
E. North direction
Another common map element is a directional
indicator. A directional indicator on a map helps
determine the orientation of the map.
Some cartographers place an arrow that
points to the North Pole on the map. This is a
“north arrow.”
Other maps indicate direction by using a
“compass rose,” with arrows pointing to all
four cardinal directions.
Conventional symbols and representations

There is no universally accepted set of standard

symbols, but some that are widely used are described
below.
Most of these symbols are self-explanatory/easy to
understand/.
However, the main geological symbols used
are described below.
Instruments for field mapping ( Field Equipment)
 Hammerers and chiles
 Base map (and/or aerial photo)
 GPS (and/or altimeter)
 Compass-clinometers
 Geological hammer
 Hand lens
 Note book
 Camera
 Map cases
 Acid bottles
 Field clothing
 Scale( ruler)
 Pencils and Erasers etrex-Garmin GPS, and a lens
 Different types of compass

Brunton 7DNL
compass
Brunton Eclipse 8099
pro compass

Brunton compass

Ranger 15TDCL compass Freiberg

compass
 SUMMARY
.Definition of map, topo map, geologic map, mapping
technique
.Grid coordinates (of latitude & longitude, and UTM)
.Geographic north pole (=true north, rotational pole)
.Magnetic north pole
.Graphic scale and verbal scale
.Altitude, relief and contour line
.Outcrop (rock exposure)
.Geologic contact or boundary
.Rock unit and Formation
.Map legend and symbols (or keys)
Base map, GPS, compass-clinometer