Maps and Topographic Drawings RRET 1105

Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:

Module 1 - Introduction to Map Types and Uses

• List different map themes.
• Explain the use of different map types.
• Convert between SI and Imperial units.

Module 2 - Map Scale and Symbols

• Describe three ways of expressing scale.
• Calculate ground distances based on scale and map distance.
• Calculate map distances based on scale and ground distance.
• Explain the differences between small and large scale maps.
• Identify various symbols used on topographic maps.

Module 3 - Measuring Distance, Direction and Area

• Calculate ground distances from a map.
• Calculate ground areas from linear scale measurements.
• Measure ground areas using a dot grid, square grid, and strip method.
• Measure map directions using a protractor or hand compass.
• Convert between azimuth and quadrant bearings.
• Calculate magnetic declination.
• Explain the effects of magnetic declination.

Module 4 - Working with Contours and Profiles

• Interpret simple contour patterns on a topographic map.
• Describe the important characteristics of contours.
• Draw contours from spot elevations.
• Calculate the grade of a line given the horizontal and vertical distance.
• Draw a profile based on field data.
• Draw a profile based on data from a topographic map.
• Calculate the elevation of a point between two known elevations.

Module 5 - Mapping Systems

• Explain the use of the geographic grid system (parallels, meridians, etc.).
• Explain the purpose of map projections.
• Describe latitude and longitude as a geographic coordinate system.
• Describe the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system.
• Describe the National Topographic System (NTS).
• Describe the British Columbia Geographic System (BCGS).
• Describe the Terrain Resource Information Management program (TRIM).

Module 6 - Aerial Photography

• Explain the importance of selecting appropriate air photos.
• Describe the component terms in an air photo number.
• Define endlap and sidelap.
• Plot by interpolation the centres of intervening photos along a flight line.
• Identify flight lines and photo centres on index maps.
• Calculate the scale of an air photo.

Effective as of Fall 2003