The Trouble with Topos
An example of a USGS quadrangle topographic map.Copyright Mark Doiron http://www.summitpost.org/map-extract-for-glacier-point/364605
Students learn how to identify the major features in a topographical map. They learn that maps come in a variety of forms: city maps, road maps, nautical maps, topographical maps, and many others. Map features reflect the intended use. For example, a state map shows cities, major roads, national parks, county lines, etc. A city map shows streets and major landmarks for that city, such as hospitals and parks. Topographical maps help navigate the wilderness by showing the elevation, mountains, peaks, rivers and trails.
Interpreting maps is an essential skill for many types of engineers. Topographic maps include symbols, scales, units and grids — a common language familiar to engineers. Engineering component manufacturing drawings always include this same type of information. For example, some symbols identify important locations on a component, such as its center of gravity. In the drawings, lengths are specified by a consistent set of units. Circuit diagram serve as maps for electrical design; they include unique symbols that communicate to others how to build the circuit.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Convert from one unit of measure to another.
- Understand how scaling works
- Understand how interpreting maps is an essential skill for engineers