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

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"Note: The information on this page is being retained for technical and historical reference only. The site is not under active maintenance and may include expired information and outdated links."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.
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.
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.
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.
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,...
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.
Lesson Plan
National Association of Geoscience Teachers

Nagt: Crate Lake Map Assignment

For Teachers 5th - 7th
This exercise gives students a chance to compare a topographic map with a 3D map, and then use the maps to answer questions. The questions highlight student gains using 3D to interpret surface features.
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Earth Science: Map Projections

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How to use topographic, bathymetric, and geologic maps.
Lesson Plan
National Association of Geoscience Teachers

Serc: Mapping Potato Island

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this hands-on activity, young scholars make a topographic map to describe the shape of a potato. They will gain an understanding of how contour lines are used to describe the shape of the land surface.
Graphic
Curated OER

University of Texas: Afghanistan: Topography

For Students 9th - 10th
A 1986 topographical map of Afghanistan from the Perry-Castaneda Collection. You can clearly see the mountain ranges, valleys, and passes that make up this mountainous country.
Unit Plan
Enchanted Learning

Enchanted Learning: Topographic Map Activity

For Students 3rd - 8th
An activity to practice interpreting contours.
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Earth Science: Topographic and Geologic Maps

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How to use topographic and geologic maps.
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Earth Science: Maps

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How to use topographic, bathymetric, and geologic maps.

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