Grades 3–5 · Earth & Space
How can a small raised map show the shape of a landscape?
A raised-relief map adds physical height to a map’s hills and valleys. It is a small model of the ground’s shape. A mountain stands above the surrounding model surface instead of being shown only with a color or symbol.
In the diagramA raised map can exaggerate heightordinary vertical scalesame horizontal extentdoubled vertical scaleExaggerated height makes model slopes appear steeper.
To make the model, mapmakers need elevation information for many positions. Those height values can guide the shaping of a surface. Neighboring values help describe slopes between a valley bottom, a ridge and a summit.
A large landscape must be reduced to fit a small model. Sometimes heights are reduced less than horizontal distances so that low hills remain visible. This is called vertical exaggeration, and it makes slopes look steeper than they really are.
The model helps viewers connect position with shape, but its scale matters. A tall-looking model peak is not a direct measurement of the real mountain. Reading the stated horizontal and vertical scales explains how the representation relates to the landscape.
About this explanation
Starting knowledge: Know that a map represents a larger place and distinguish horizontal distance from height.
Sources
- U.S. Geological Survey — Digital terrain tapes: user guide