Wilson Central School District

 Bonus
Build an Island 

INTRODUCTION 

For this assignment, you will create a topographic map and a three-dimensional model of a fictional island you have designed. You will start by exploring basic information about topographic maps and their creation. See the Background Information section below for directions on how to do this. You may then begin by drawing a map of your island by following the Part 1 Instructions found below. After drawing your island, you must get it approved by your teacher. Once your map is approved, you may begin building your model by following the Part 2 Instructions found below. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

A topographic map is a two-dimensional representation of part of the Earth’s three-dimensional surface,  drawn to scale. Also called a “topo” map. The features shown on topographic maps may be divided into three  groups:  

1. relief, which includes hills, valleys, mountains, etc. 
2. water features, including lakes, ponds, and streams 
3. cultural features; man-made features like bridges, canals, buildings, and roads 

Relief is the difference in elevation between any two points. Where the relief is low, the area appears to be relatively flat, as in river valleys or broad, flat uplands. When relief is high, the area is steep, as in rugged mountainous terrain. Relief is shown on a contour map by contour lines. 

A contour line is an imaginary line on the Earth’s surface connecting points of the same elevation. A map’s contour interval is the difference in elevation between adjacent contour lines and must be consistent for a given map, though they may change from map to map. Usually, every fifth contour line is printed heavier than the others and bears the elevation above sea level (an “index contour line”). 

The map scale expresses the relationship between the distance on the map and the true distance on the Earth's surface. This is generally expressed as a ratio or a fraction, such as 1:24,000 or 1/24,000. The numerator,  usually 1, represents map distance, and the denominator, a large number, represents ground distance. Thus,  1:24,000 means that a distance of 1 unit on the map represents 24,000 such units on the ground. The unit here is unimportant — it could be meters, feet, or inches. What is important is the relationship between the map distance and the true ground distance. 

Rules of Contour Lines 

1. Every point on a given contour line is of the exact same elevation; contour lines connect points of equal elevation. 
2. Contours do not cross or intersect each other (except in the rare case of an overhanging cliff, in such a  case, the hidden contours are dashed). 
3. All contours eventually close to form an irregular circle or run off the map. 
4. Contours near the upper parts of hills form closures (circles). The top of a hill is higher than the highest closed contour. 
5. Contours are widely spaced on gentle slopes. 
6. Contours are closely spaced on steep slopes. 
7. Each adjacent contour line must maintain the same increase or decrease in elevation. 
8. Where a contour line crosses a stream or valley, the contour bends to form a "V" that points upstream or valley. In the upstream direction, the successive contours represent higher elevations. 
9. Hachure contour lines show depressions. Hachure contours are contours with short lines on the inside pointing downslope. The bottom of the depression is lower than the lowest closed contour.

PART 1 INSTRUCTIONS 

1. On a piece of printer's paper (not looseleaf!), please neatly draw a topographic map of an island. You may need to try it a few times before getting it the way you want. Do it in pencil first; then, you should review it in marker to make the lines and other features stand out.  

Your map MUST include the following features: 

✓ A minimum of six contour lines 
✓ A minimum of one high point (a mountain peak), marked with the maximum elevation (a “spot elevation”) 
✓ A river  
✓ A compass rose 
✓ A statement of the contour interval 
✓ A map scale 
✓ A minimum of one depression  
✓ Any landmarks or features that would be fun to show, such as roads, buildings, or a lake. 

Show your completed map to your teacher for approval before beginning part 2. 

PART 2 INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Make a photocopy of your map. This is very important as you will need to cut your map, and you don’t want to destroy your original. You must submit both a map and a model. 

2. On your photocopied map, cut out the lowest elevation, which should be the outermost and biggest circle or contour line. There will be smaller circles in the middle. Ignore those for now. Trace your cut-out on the material you are making the model out of and cut it out (either foam board or thick cardboard).
This is the base of your 3-D model. 

3. Repeat this procedure for the rest of the lines on the topographic map. Cut out each contour line circle, trace it onto the material, and cut out the material. Your circles should get smaller and smaller. Go ahead and discard your cut-up map pieces once you have the cut-outs to keep. Number the cutouts. Be sure to keep the cutouts stacked up in order so the biggest piece is on the bottom. 

4. Glue or attach each cut-out to the one below it. Let the glue dry. 
5. Add color to show the features such as rivers, lakes, roads, etc., and label your model.
6. Create a Compass Rose on your map with four arrows that designate North, East, South, and West.
7. Add a scale that will represent the distance. For example, one inch represents one mile.
8. Add a legend or key to the elements on your map and a statement of the contour interval.