Preparation for Lab Exam III on Maps & Topographic Map Interpretation
Preparation for this exam will take place largely
during the regularly scheduled lab sessions. You are responsible for learning
ALL of the lab lecture material, including map measurements, vocabulary,
and terminology, so you must make every attempt to avoid being absent during
these labs. There will not be sufficient time for you to make up any missed
labs, except to complete any specific map-reading exercises on your own
time at the Oakton (Skokie campus) library, where I will have copies of
the three assigned topographic maps available for use and practice. Your
other lab handouts, booklets, and exercises can be completed and studied
on your own time at home. Absolutely NO topographic maps are allowed to
leave the lab. This exam is on topographic map
interpretation, not
topographic map memorization. (You cannot possibly memorize an
entire topographic map, nor would it make any sense, any more than it would
be to memorize the contents of a telephone book if you are being tested
on how to look up numbers in a telephone book. )
1. Multiple choice questions covering map definitions, map scales, map area, map distance, contour lines, etc., and any other material covered in lab lectures.
2. Find and interpret data from one of topographic quadrangle maps that you were assigned in lab, including finding township and range coordinates, calculating map distances between two points, interpreting contour lines, map scales, longitude-latitude, etc.
3. Draw a topographic profile from diagram of a map.
4. Interpret contour lines from a series of small map diagrams.
5. Convert one type of map scale to another, and vice versa, using mathemetical conversion, if necessary.
6. Calculate the relative areas between two maps of different R.F. scales.
Map reading is a skill acquired through much practice and learning from your mistakes. It is also one of the most challenging subjects for an earth science teacher to teach to students; therefore, please do not hesitate to ask me lots of questions. If you are "lost" regarding any areas of this laboratory topic, please call me at (312) 886-9380 BEFORE 4:00 PM, or make arrangements to see me before class on Tuesday or Thursday, or (if there is an assigned tutor available for this semester) contact Instructional Support (Testing Center) at (847) 635-1434.