A map represents some portion of the Earth. There are many different types of maps that represent many different themes or concepts. Map types include choropleth, dot, cartogram, planimetric, and topographic, to name a few.

In particular, topographic maps represent the "topography" or lay of the land surface; otherwise known as relief. These are hills and valleys; mountains and plains; peaks and draws. That is not all that topographic maps represent but it is the primary characteristic. Topographic maps (sometimes called topo maps) also use colors and symbols to describe and highlight both natural and manmade features on the surface of Earth.

This lesson serves as an introduction to topo maps and then provides detailed instructions on determining the height of a feature or location using a US Geologic Survey 1:24,000 topographic map.

Using this web site to accomplish the aforementioned goal is simple.

First, read the introduction to the topographic map exercise in your GE 111 lab manual.

Second, read about topographic maps by clicking on "Overview".

Third, read and learn topographic map terminology by clicking on "Terminology".

Finally, start the practical part of the instruction regarding reading contour lines and determining elevation. This link is the "Begin Lesson" link.

You may stop and restart the instruction at any time and then navigate back to where you left off when you are ready to continue. If you are returning to complete the lesson you also click on the "Begin Lesson" link. From this page, you may select the portion of the lesson to return to.

Along the way, you will be given the opportunity to apply your new skills and practice what you have learned. This will help insure that you understand the concepts. If you get the correct answers, go to the next step. If not, re-read the step and practice a little more.

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to read a contour line and interpret the elevation of any point on the topographic map. Good Luck! Email Lisa Keys-Mathews if you have any questions.