Hobbies And Interests
History
The first topographical map was created in 1879, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The western United States was mapped early on because population was sparse. Mapping pioneers faced costly and difficult journeys on mules as they mapped their routes. They carried a plane table to use upon reaching the highest point and identifying key features and altitudes. In the 1930s, aerial photographs became standard for topography. The National Map Accuracy Standards were adopted in 1941 to streamline map making and confirm testing of at least 90 percent of map's elevations. Today, a detailed map may take up to five years to create because mapmakers work in teams using science, artistry and technology.
Maps
Topographical maps identify natural and cultural features in the desired location, including buildings, roads, boundaries, lakes, rivers and streams. Mountains, valleys and slopes are also identified on topographical maps, and some include the names of roads and places. Blue areas are buildings, power lines and trains. Red lines indicate paved roads, whereas orange lines are unpaved roads. Brown is used to contour elevation changes and illustrate how the mountain or hill is shaped, while blue indicates waterways and lakes. Green is vegetation. Mapmakers use purple to identify changes in the map.
Safety Application
When an airport is designed and before the land is prepared, an altitude map is created to identify any safety concerns from structures, hills or mountains near the airport. A helicopter, blimp, airplane or balloon may be used to gauge the altitude around the airstrips. Drainage adequacy and flood regions are also identified by topographical maps. Streams, rivers and drainage paths are mapped to identify possible flood zones or erosion and review animal habitats.
Physical Fitness
You can also check the altitude of your bike, walk and running routes to improve your physical fitness. Track the altitude of your route using an altimeter or global positioning system. Identify key points, such as the tops and bottoms of hills or areas where long, level stretches begin and end, and then calculate changes. Divide the vertical climb in feet by the total distance traveled. For instance, if you walk up a hill 100 feet higher than your last point, and it was a 2-mile hike to go those 100 feet up, divide 100 by 10,560 feet to determine the percent grade. Use this method to identify the incline, decline and level-path lengths in your fitness route. Mapping software, such as Topo USA, is also available to map your route.