Reading Topographic Maps and Calculating Map Scale
Summary
Students will use a topographic map and define the watershed drained by Joe Brook, draw a bar scale, and calculate a ratio scale.
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Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
- apply quantitative skills to solve map scale problems
- discover the meaning of a watershed
Context for Use
This homework assignment is appropriate for an introductory level, general earth science course that requires an understanding of map scales. Students will need prior experience working with bar scales and map scales, and have a cursory understanding of the meaning of a watershed. The activity can generally be completed within one hour.
Description and Teaching Materials
The instructor should work with a variety of topographic maps prior to assigning this activity. Only one .pdf file is needed for this assignment.
Assignment handout (Acrobat (PDF) bytes Jun25 06)
Teaching Notes and Tips
Instructors should demonstrate how a map bar scale can be used to calculate a ratio scale and how a ratio scale can be used to draw a bar scale. Examples should use a variety of map scales; the mathematics, and proper use of cancelling units, should be demonstrated a priori.
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Assessment
Instructor should carefully trace the proper watershed on each assignment and make careful notes about the quantitative reasoning skills applied by the student. Once the assignment is returned, the instructor should present the correct format in front of the entire class.
References and Resources
General introduction to topographic maps: https://www.usgs.gov/products/maps/topo-maps
Ratio scales defined by the Geology Department at Idaho State University: http://geology.isu.edu/wapi/geostac/Field_Exercise/topomaps/map_scale.htm
Ratio scales defined by the Geology Department at Idaho State University: http://geology.isu.edu/wapi/geostac/Field_Exercise/topomaps/map_scale.htm