Why Do We Learn About Topographic Maps?
Have you ever seen a map that shows the shape of the land, as well as the location of buildings, roads, and streams? Maps with this kind of information are called topographic maps and are incredibly useful to society. Society uses topographic maps:
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to study the distribution of plants and animals, rainfall, or soil types;
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to determine safe places to build factories, communication towers, or houses;
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to plan the best uses of land; and
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to find the way on a backpacking trip or hike.
Geologists use topographic maps to make geologic maps, which show what rocks and geologic structures (e.g., faults) are exposed at the surface. We use geologic maps:
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to study the distribution and geometry of rock units on and below the surface;
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to find mineral and energy resources; and
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to evaluate the potential for natural hazards, such as landslides, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
Introduction
