Title: Create a topographic map.
Course: Ecology and Environmental Management (18003-18) > Section: Understanding Conservation Cartography and Orienteering

Creation should include

- the maximum and minimum elevations
- the scale of the map (e.g., 1 inch = 1/2 mile)
- the latitude and longitude of the central point in the lower left or right corner of the map
- a map key
- a compass rose showing cardinal and ordinal directions
- roads, rivers, lakes, mountain peaks and other significant locations
- symbols to make locations easier to find (e.g., label mountain peaks with a triangle, roads with dotted lines)
- contours

  - drawing a contour line for the lowest elevation level and tracing the shape of the land at that elevation level
  - recording the elevation next to the contour line and drawing more contour lines for higher elevation levels
  - labeling the intervals
  - ensuring that the maximum elevations are at mountain tops, plateaus, and other high points, and determining contour line intervals.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why are topographic maps important, and how are they used?
- Why is understanding the terrain and changes in elevation important in environmental management?
- What are some common symbols used to represent features on topographic maps, and how are they depicted?