Handout
Other

Geoscience Australia: Map Reading Guide: How to Use Topographic Maps [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
A topographic map can be challenging to read. This guide explains how to decipher one and how to use a magnetic compass to orient yourself to the landscape. It also explains how to use GPS coordinates.
Handout
US Geological Survey

U.s. Geological Survey: The National Map: 125 Years of Topographic Mapping

For Students 9th - 10th
Website offers a history of the National Program for Topographic Mapping (1884-2009).
Interactive
Other

Ontario Topographic Map

For Students 9th - 10th
Features a topographical map of Ontario. Click on different options to edit the map.
Website
US Geological Survey

U.s. Geological Survey: 27 Ideas for Teaching With Topographic Maps

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
A collection of twenty-seven activities that can be done with topographic maps, for elementary up to university level students. Includes many accompanying resources.
Website
US Geological Survey

United States Geological Survey: Topographic Maps

For Students 9th - 10th
"Note: The information on this page is being retained for technical and historical reference only. The site is not under active maintenance and may include expired information and outdated links." This site gives an overview of the...
Graphic
Other

California State University: Topographic Map Symbols

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
Click on any of the geographical terms on this website to see examples that illustrate the symbols commonly used on maps. Includes boundaries, building symbols, caves, mines, elevation symbols, coastal features, and more.
Graphic
Other

Usgs: The National Map: Us Topographical Map

For Students 9th - 10th
Use this map to explore the topography of the United States.
Activity
NASA

Nasa: Space Place: Make a Topographic Map

For Students 4th - 8th
Find out what topographic maps are and how to make them. The instructions are complete with pictures to help you construct a mountain of clay and and a corresponding topographic map.
Activity
Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments: Jason: Topographic Maps What Can They Tell Us?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Rainforests at the Crossroads: Explore the topographic map of Barro Colorado Island (BCI); find the elevations of different locations and how far apart they are. Also determine the steepness of the land by observing the contour lines on...
Activity
Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments: Jason: Make a Topographic Map

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Rainforests at the Crossroads: Make a topographic map of a simulated terrain, which consists of your classroom floor and two boxes of different sizes.
Unit Plan
US Geological Survey

Usgs: Finding Your Way With Map and Compass

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This resource has a topographic map that tells you where things are and how to get to them. Use this site to help you use a map and compass to determine your location.
Graphic
University of Texas at Austin

Ut Library: Perry Castaneda Maps of Connecticut

For Students 9th - 10th
Includes two maps of the state as well as several topographic maps of cities in Connecticut and one historic map of New Haven in 1920.
Handout
PBS

Pbs: M, M, M (Maps, Maps, Maps)

For Students 9th - 10th
This is an online activity on Topographic maps with stated objectives, an activity, background information, evaluation, and resources. This site has information on where you can adjust the activity for elementary or secondary age levels.
Unit Plan
Texas Education Agency

Texas Gateway: Maps and Satellite Imagery

For Students 7th - 9th
A tutorial on topographic maps.
Activity
Math Science Nucleus

Math Science Nucleus: Topographic Maps

For Students 3rd - 5th
For a picture of a topographical map, go to this page. There is some information to help you understand what they are.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Geo Map App Learning Activities: Rules of Contouring

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Using GeoMap software, students learn how to read topographic maps, and the rules for using contour lines on a map. Detailed teacher and student handouts are provided. (GeoMap software can be downloaded at: http://www.geomapapp.org/.)
Graphic
University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas: Perry Castaneda Library: Canada Maps

For Students 9th - 10th
The University of Texas at Austin provides an extensive collection of maps relating to Canada. Links are given for maps of Canada on many other web sites.
Graphic
Other

Russian Federation Topographic Map

For Students 9th - 10th
A color-keyed topographical map of the Russian Federation.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Topographical Maps, Contour Lines and Profiles

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
In this mapping field lab young scholars determine the elevation of a given object in a designated area on the school campus using cartography tools. Then they use of these tools to create a contour map of the area.
Graphic
University of Texas at Austin

Ut Library: Perry Castaneda Maps of Alabama

For Students 9th - 10th
Here you will find state and city maps (including outline and topographical maps) of Alabama. Also includes historical maps and maps of Alabama's National Parks.
Graphic
University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas Libraries: Russia and the Former Soviet Republics Maps

For Students 9th - 10th
Collection of maps (political, geographic, thematic, topographic, etc.) related to Russia and the former Soviet Union.
Graphic
Library of Congress

Loc: Map Collections 1500 2002

For Students 9th - 10th
This collection provides maps dating back to 1500 up to the present. The collection includes: cities, towns, discovery and exploration, conservation and environment, military battles, cultural landscapes, transportation, communication,...
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Mapping the National Parks

For Students 9th - 10th
A rich and historically significant collection of maps of various national parks throughout the United States. Features special sections on Yellowstone, Acadia, the Grand Canyon and the Smoky Mountains. Includes historical photographs of...
Unit Plan
Other

Ordnance Survey: Map Zone: Relief and Contour Lines

For Students 3rd - 5th
Discover how to read and show height on maps using relief and contour lines.

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