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Geoscience Australia: Map Reading Guide: How to Use Topographic Maps [Pdf]
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.
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California State University: Topographic Map Symbols
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.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Geo Map App Learning Activities: Rules of Contouring
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/.)
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Ordnance Survey: Map Zone: Relief and Contour Lines
Discover how to read and show height on maps using relief and contour lines.
National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Nagt: Urban Planning 101: Map Appreciation
In this lesson plan students will begin by looking at a series of maps and they will brainstorm ways the natural world may interact with humans and vice-versa. Students will then come up with a list of features of a city or town, make...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Visualizing Topography
This module helps students learn to identify terrain features on topographic maps. Students manipulate animations of hills, valleys, and cliffs to see the terrain from various angles. The module also provides instruction on how to read...
US Geological Survey
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation: Watershed
Explore the characteristics of a watershed through these multiple intelligences learning activities. Activities will help students define a watershed as well as read the features on a topographic map. Site also includes background...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Maps
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How to use topographic, bathymetric, and geologic maps.