Teaching topography (September's Earth science resource)

[TomBaker]

Teaching topography and topographic maps are important in Earth science and physical geography; it builds a foundation for understanding how the surface of the Earth shapes natural processes, ecosystems, and human activity. For this reason, topography is often taught at the beginning of Earth science and geography courses - in September!

Explore three different teaching activities to help teach topography using GIS maps.

1. Exploring topographic features (with MapMaker)

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/08021f4b5b554cf69f0dc2e360173fd7

Explore topography in 2D and 3D while using the elevation profile tool to examine elevation. No account or login required. Time to complete: Two class periods.

2. VR: Topography and our natural heritage

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/bb4795fa2aea4885b1d31c8bbb5863ce

No virtual reality hardware required!  Explore topography in this simple activity that uses Yosemite National Park. No account or login required. Time to complete: 20 minutes.

3. Topography and our natural heritage (with Map Viewer)

https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=e3ada52bdc7149829b71d16c33841b54

The topographic GeoInquirry from Esri using the modern map viewer. No account or login required. Time to complete: About 15 minutes.

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Other mapping tools and their potential use:

Historical topo map explorer

The Historical Topo Map Explorer provides a visual way to search and explore the USGS topographic map collection via geographic extent, publication year, and map scale.

https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/topomapexplorer/#maps=&loc=-98.54,40.15&LoD=4.00