Mastering Exercise 9.5: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Topographic Map
Have you ever struggled with creating topographic maps? Fear not! Exercise 9.5 is the perfect tool to help you master this skill. In this article, we will take a closer look at Exercise 9.5 and provide a step-by-step guide to help you create topographic maps with ease.
What is Exercise 9.5?
Exercise 9.5 is an exercise in the book “Physical Geography Laboratory Manual” by Darrel Hess. It is designed to help students learn how to read and interpret topographic maps. The exercise focuses on creating a topographic map of a hypothetical area using contour lines.
Step-by-Step Guide to Exercise 9.5
1. Select the Area of Interest – The first step is to select the area you want to create a topographic map for. The ideal area would have a variety of terrain types, such as flat plains, hills, and valleys.
2. Gather Elevation Data – The next step is to gather elevation data for your selected area. You can use online tools such as Google Earth for this. Alternatively, you can use topographic maps that are available for purchase.
3. Create Contour Intervals – The contour interval is the vertical distance between adjacent contour lines. Decide on the contour interval based on the area you are working on and the level of detail you want to show on the map.
4. Draw Contour Lines – With the contour interval decided, you can now draw the contour lines on your map. It is important to ensure that the contour lines are evenly spaced and that they represent the elevation data accurately.
5. Fill in the Topography – Once the contour lines are drawn, you can fill in the topography between them. This will give your map a three-dimensional look and help you understand the terrain better.
6. Add Additional Features – You can add additional features to your map, such as rivers, lakes, and vegetation. This will make your map more informative and interesting.
Examples of Exercise 9.5
Exercise 9.5 has been used by many students and geographers to create topographic maps. One example is a topographic map of the Grand Canyon created by a student from Northern Arizona University. The map shows the different elevation levels of the canyon and provides a clear understanding of the terrain.
Another example is a topographic map created by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The map shows the terrain of Yosemite Valley, California, and provides detailed information about the elevation levels of the area.
Conclusion
Exercise 9.5 is an excellent tool for mastering the art of creating topographic maps. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you will be able to create detailed and accurate maps with ease. Remember to gather accurate elevation data, decide on an appropriate contour interval, and fill in the topography to create a three-dimensional look. With patience and practice, you will soon be on your way to becoming a topographic map-making expert.
