Cross-sections

Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

To know how to read topographic maps
To be able to draw a cross section from a topographic map

"A cross-section provides a side view, or profile, of a landscape. This view enables us to see how this shape of the land influences land use such as settlement, drainage and vegetation."

In geography, we need to learn how to draw cross-sections from topographical maps.

Let's look at this step-by-step:

1. Locate two points on a map between which the cross-section is to be made. Label these points A and B (see image above).

2. Place a straight edge of paper from point A to point B and join the dots. Also you need to mark points A and B on your piece of paper.

3. On your paper, mark the position where your paper crosses each contour line. Write the value of each contour line on your piece of paper (you may need to estimate the height of your starting and finishing points)

4. On graph paper, draw the horizontal and vertical axes from your cross-section. The length of the horizontal access should be as wide as the distance between points A and B. Your vertical axes need to use a scale (distance between each increment) that will not exaggerate the height of the cross-section. We don't want a small hill looking like Mt Everest!

5. Place your piece of paper along the horizontal axis. In pencil, plot (dot) the contour points and heights as if you were drawing a line graph.

6. Join the dots with a single smooth, curved line.

7. Label any features intersected by your cross-section (i.e., river, major roads etc)

8. Finish off your cross-section by:

Shading in the area below the line
Labelling the scale on the horizontal and vertical axes
Giving your cross-section a title.

Confused?? Watch this video:

Now it's your turn:

Using the map to the right (teachers to print), draw these cross-sections:

1. Start by using points C and D:

What is the difference between each contour line?
Check with your partner

2. Now try by using points A and B:

Don't forgot to include the lake!
Check with your partner

Cross Section Map Student Worksheet .pdf

Contour Lines and Cross Sections Student Worksheet.pdf

Task 2

Teachers to print the following worksheet, to be completed in class and/or for homework.

Extension

In your blue skills booklet complete Unit 21 Cross-sections page 44 & 45

Google Sites

Report abuse