This is your chance to show your map reading skills and really focus on the whole range of information that can be obtained from maps.Go to the Map Library (during this class period, but go in no more than two at a time). With Mike's help, choose a topographic map, either 7.5' or 15', (preferably in California) that has a good representation of both cultural and physical features. DO NOT PICK an area that you know well. The idea is to read the data from the maps. Don't pick a map that has nothing but urban development or nothing but wild mountains. It will be more interesting and test your skills more to have a great range of features.
If you need some ideas about where to look, ask Mike if you can check out the California topo index, in the top drawer of the California section. Use your knowledge of the varieties of topography and urban areas in different parts of California to find on the index the name of a topo sheet that looks promising. Look at the large relief map of California if you need help with this. Then let Mike help you find the maps you want. DO NOT go into the drawers yourselves.
The Assignment:
Write a COMPLETE description of the landscape you see on your map, including both cultural and physical features. Do Not write a list of things -- write an interpretive narrative, saying not only what you see but how you interpret it -- why is it there? What does it mean? Include data from other maps, such as climate maps, soils maps, geologic maps, vegetation maps, planning maps, thematic maps showing cultural features, etc., and air photos if you can obtain them. You can also look at Atlases, in the Map Library and in Salazar Library, and on-line. Ask Mike for help if you decide to try for air photos. You need to think about all you've learned in your geography (or other) classes -- about settlement patterns, site and situation, transportation influences, agricultural patterns, schools and other public buildings, also geomorphology, drainage patterns, geologic influences on landforms, tectonic or fluvial influences, climate, vegetation, etc.
For example, after you pick your map (and know where the location is), look at the California geologic map and write notes on what kinds of rocks are located there, look at the Atlas of California for vegetation or history of the place, or look at the Atlas of California on the web (see Web Resources) to see what the density of population is there, or the ethnic make-up. What is the primary economic activity? Obviously, you will have to be selective about what kinds of information you choose to talk about, because it would be a large (semester-long) project to completely describe your chosen area. However, please cover both cultural and physical features.
Take your time. Start Today. This is not an assignment that can be done in one hour. It will show in your work if you rush through this.
What you should turn in:
1. Your word-processed or typed report.
2.. The topo sheet you described.