"3-D Topographic Map"

By Corkie Neumann

Purpose: To make a 3-D model from a topographic map.

 Materials:

• Poster board
• Metric ruler
• Map pencils
• Glue
• Scissors or exacto knife
• Multiple Copies of a topographic map or isobaric weather map.  Have enough copies for each contour line which is represented on the map.
• Styrofoam pieces

Procedure:

A. Preparations

1. Start out by gluing one copy of the map on the poster board.  This will represent the lowest value contour line.
2. Next, glue another copy of the topographic map on a separate chunk of poster board.  Cut around the next higher value of contour line. Then glue this smaller piece on top of the first larger copy where this contour line appear on that first copy. 
3. Label each layer with the contour of that line.
4. Continue to do this procedure for each progressive layer
5. When you are done, you should have the lowest value contour line on the bottom of the map, and the highest value contour line on the top.  This will give you a 3-D representation of that contour map.

B. Show the Following Features on Your Model

1. Area of low relief
2. One hill
3. Stream
4. Depression and swamp
5. Steep cliff
6. Road and railroads
7. Church and school

C. Show on Your Map

1. Legend with all symbols
2. Compass rose
3. Contour interval

D. Other Requirements

1. Profile
2. Map must match model
3. Neatness and variety of color
4. Creativity

E. Discussion

Compare your model to the original topographic map you used and answer the following questions:

1. Does this map represent a gently sloping area and a steeply sloped area? How do you know?
2. Can you tell which way the stream flows by looking at the topographic map? How?
3. What is the elevation of the highest point? Lowest point?
4. What is the relief of your map?
5. What is the best thing about your model?