Overview
Lab 7: Topographic Maps
OK guys this lab isn't going to be easy, but we will try. Just remember you will use the information in this lab for the next few labs, so you have to know how to read contour lines!
I also highly recommend going through the prelab videos. There are QR codes throughout this lab and they are helpful! : )
HERE IS THE MAP! IL_Palos Park_308416_1997_24000_geo.pdf
When you get to the part in the lab where they state: use the map provided by your instructor - this is what they are talking about.
Lab 7 starts on page 111, but since reading contours is so important we are going to start on page 120! I would also recommend going through the pre-lab video - there's the QR code on page 111.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqPMYGDxCr0https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwZcNfPpV9CXSVbpH...
Know what those pesky brown lines are! They are contour lines that represent lines that connect points of equal elevation. Remember Closely spaced contours represent steep slopes. Think of Swallow Cliff Woods where the stairs are - it's a super steep slope! That's why you need the stairs to climb - right? Anyway look below at the topographic map below of our area here in Palos Hills. See how the contour lines are close at Swallow Cliffs? Closely spaced contours=steep slope.
(Attached image)
Notice also in the above picture that MVCC campus has virtually no contour lines on campus. So what does that mean? The topography is FLAT. When you walk around the perimeter path at school - do you change elevation? NOPE.
So let's get some practice with these little brown lines.
Page 121 Reading Contour lines
- Questions 1-9
Page 127: The lab report page also has a good map so let's do that too for practice
- Questions 1-10
Now that we know all about contour lines let's get through some other "topo map basics". Go back to
Page 114: Topographic Maps
Here is where you will need the .pdf of the Palos Park Quadrangle (IL_Palos Park_308416_1997_24000_geo.pdf) This is the map they are referring to.
- Questions 1-6
Page 115 Map Scales
- Questions 1-4
Page 116-120 Everyone's favorite PUBLIC LAND SURVEY!!
- Questions 1-3 on page 118
- Questions 1-4 on page 119-120 (For Question 4 use the following for three features - 1. Moraine Valley Community College C Building - 2. Sandburg High School 3. Palos Community Hospital