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How to Build a Topographic Map

All maps present useful data, but topographical maps contain additional information not found on standard maps. Topo maps provide specific data about elevation and the earth's landscape and make it possible for you to envision the topography of the mapped area through the use of contour lines. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines contour lines as "imaginary lines that join points of equal elevation on the surface of the land." Physically constructing a 3-D representation of a topographical map will help you understand how contour lines work and teach you to interpret the landforms described by most topographical maps.

Things You'll Need

Topographic map
Marker
Scissors
Construction paper, cardboard or sheets of foam craft paper
Glue

Instructions

- 1
  Make copies of the topographic map. You will need one copy of the map for every contour interval you want to represent. For example, if you are mapping an area that has 10 contour lines (intervals) you will need 10 copies of the map.
- 2
  Cut each copy along a different contour line, so that you end up with a different shape representing a level of elevation. Label them carefully so that you don't get them mixed up.
- 3
  Trace each shape onto construction or craft paper and cut the shapes out of the craft paper. Label these new shapes.
- 4
  Align shapes on top of each other, one at a time, using the original map as a guide and centering them accordingly. Keep the contour intervals in ascending order as you work from the bottom (low elevation) to the top (higher elevation). When you are satisfied that the shapes are in the proper order and alignment, glue them in place.
- 5
  Mark up your three-dimensional map with standard map symbols using markers or different colored pens. The original map can provide many of the symbols and notations. Include map essentials, such as a compass, map scale (which will be identical to the original map, as long as the copies did not shrink or enlarge the image), surface features and bench marks.

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