Topographic large-scale maps. What is a topographic map? The topographic map is

Topographic maps provide the most complete picture of the earth's surface. They signify the latest, modern for us, stage in the development of general geographical maps. In the first periods of developed cartography, the knowledge of geographical facts was insufficient, and the methods of measurement were so primitive that maps could only convey the most important, most noticeable features of the earth's surface, moreover, in the roughest drawing. Of course, the scale of such maps was very small. Over time, with the accumulation of geographical knowledge and the improvement of methods for measuring the area, there is a transition to larger scales. Today, science and technology demand from the map not only the detailed representation of various elements of natural and cultural landscapes, but also the ability to accurately measure them. For this purpose, topographic maps serve. Their scales range from 1: 5000 to 1: 200,000. Sometimes topographic maps are further subdivided, distinguishing topographic maps of a large scale (1: 5000 - 1: 25,000), medium scale (1: 50,000) and small (1 : 100,000 - 1: 200,000). This once again emphasizes the relativity of our judgments about the largeness or smallness of the scale.

Topographic maps on a scale larger than 1:100,000 are usually the direct result of topographic surveys carried out by special government agencies. Regardless of whether surveys cover a small area of ​​the earth's surface (for example, a city and its environs, an area of ​​land reclamation or irrigation work, etc.), or a large area, in the USSR they are carried out according to a single instruction for each scale. This ensures the uniformity of different sheets of the same scale.

Let's pick up one of the sheets of the topographic map. Acquaintance with it is useful to begin with the legend. In the title of the map, placed above the upper frame, we find the names of the union republic, the territory or region to which the territory depicted on the map belongs, the name of the most important settlement and, finally, the nomenclature of the sheet indicating the position of this sheet among others. The geographical position of a sheet of a map on the earth's surface is also accurately indicated by the signatures of the parallels and meridians at the degree grid. Numerical and linear scales and an indication of the size of the main relief section are located at the middle of the lower frame. As for conventional signs, in Soviet topographic maps ah they are sometimes placed near the eastern frame, while on foreign maps they are more often given from the bottom of the sheet.

In addition to conventional signs, the legends of topographic maps provide a number of additional information and diagrams, on the one hand, enriching the content of the map, on the other hand, facilitating its use. These can be: a diagram of the material used to compile the map sheet; a diagram indicating the exact dimensions of the cartographic grid; layout of adjacent sheets; the scheme of the administrative division of the territory depicted on the map, indicating the areas of individual administrative units; hypsometric scheme; scheme of magnetic declinations; a scale for determining the horizontal steepness of slopes in degrees; table of reference points; dates of compilation and publication of the map; surnames of the editor, compiler, etc.

Thus, topographic maps show:

1) a hydrographic network indicating the coastline of the seas and lakes (fresh and salty), the river system, as well as various channels, waterfalls, rapids, wells, springs, fords, crossings, etc .;

2) relief, which is usually shown on Soviet maps as contour lines, supplemented by special signs for rocks, screes, cliffs, etc., and marks of individual characteristic heights and depths;

3) vegetation cover, sometimes indicating dominant species for forests;

4) a number of other physical geographical elements (sands, glaciers, swamps, etc.);

5) settlements, shown on maps of a larger scale up to individual buildings;

6) various industrial, agricultural and other enterprises and structures;

7) various cultural, medical and other institutions;

8) communication facilities (post and telegraph institutions, telephone exchanges, radio stations, telegraph and telephone lines, etc.);

9) surface routes of communication (railways and trackless roads), with their detailed classification (for example, for trackless roads, special signs are introduced for motorways, improved highways, ordinary highways, improved dirt roads, country roads, field and forest roads, trails, with the designation on the roads of bridges, tunnels, etc.);

10) waterways of communication (sea and river navigation - marinas, ports, etc.);

11) political and administrative (sometimes economic) division (borders, administrative centers, etc.);

12) names of geographical and other objects.

In addition, various lands (orchards, vineyards, kitchen gardens, plantations, etc.), objects of approximate value (individual trees, towers, monuments, airfields, etc.) are applied to topographic maps, mostly on a larger scale.

The frequency of contour lines is determined both by the scale of the map and by the nature of the depicted relief.

The size of the relief sections on Soviet topographic maps of the main scales (in meters)

The extent to which sections can fluctuate on topographic maps of the same scale can be judged from the following data (maps 1: 100,000 scale for some countries):

When creating topographic maps, they strive to convey all objects in their actual location and size (of course, reduced to the scale of the map). This requirement is necessary if one intends to make accurate measurements on the map. However, a completely rigorous solution of the problem is impossible even on large-scale maps; Let us remember how much the width of rivers and roads, as well as borders, which are only mathematical lines, are exaggerated against nature in conventional signs. For example, on a 1:100,000 map, the highway sign has a width of 0.9 mm, corresponding to 90 m on the ground, i.e., it is exaggerated 10 times.

Theoretically, distances on maps can be measured with an accuracy of 0.1 mm, which corresponds to 2.5 m on the ground at a scale of 1: 25,000, 5.10 and 20 m, respectively, at scales of 1: 50,000, 1: 100,000 and 1: 200,000. In practice this accuracy can only be achieved when measuring straight lines. The measurement of curvilinear objects usually leads to a systematic underestimation of their lengths due to simplifications in the outlines of the lines; the smaller the scale of the map, the greater the simplification and, consequently, the larger the measurement errors.

Topographic map

Topographic map

general geographical map of universal purpose, depicting the area in detail. The content of the map includes the following elements: reference geodetic points, households. and cultural objects, relief, hydrography, vegetation, soils, roads, communication objects, borders and fences. By scale, topographic maps are divided into large-scale (1:100,000 and larger), medium-scale (1:200,000 - 1:1,000,000) and small-scale, or survey topographic (smaller than 1:1,000,000). Large-scale maps are created based on the materials of field topographic or aerial surveys, all the rest are made from larger-scale sources. With the development of space photography, satellite images began to be widely used to compile and update topographic maps. Topographic maps are used to solve a wide range of national economic, scientific, educational, defense tasks, they are the basis for compiling thematic maps, creating digital elevation and terrain models, and digital base maps for geographic information systems. In each country, the creation of these cards is in charge of the state. civil and military topographic services. Officially adopted systems of scales, projections and symbols for topographic maps, their layout and nomenclature.

Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Under the editorship of prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .

See what a "topographic map" is in other dictionaries:

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP- Topographic map … Geographic atlas

The map, in addition to the situation, i.e., images of all the necessary objects on a given scale or symbols, also shows the terrain, if possible, all means of communication, certain properties of the soil, etc. If, when compiling T. ... ... Technical railway dictionary

topographic map - detailed map terrain, which allows you to determine both the planned and vertical position of points. Note State topographic maps of the USSR are published on a scale of 1:1,000,000 and larger. [GOST 21667 76] Topics of geodesycartography ... ...

topographic map- A large and medium-scale geographic map showing the features of the earth's surface, such as relief, river network, etc., as well as some objects of human activity ... Geography Dictionary

An example of a topographic map with contour lines (lines of equal heights) A topographic map is such a map, the completeness of the content and accuracy of which allow solving technical problems ... Wikipedia

Topographic map- TOPOGRAPHY 101. Topographic map D. Topographische Karte E. Topographic map F. Carte topographique According to GOST 21667 76 Source: GOST 22268 76: Geodesy. Terms and definitions original document ... Dictionary-reference book of terms of normative and technical documentation

Topographic map- An example of a topographic map with contour lines (lines of equal heights) Topographic map view geographical map, a reduced and generalized image of the earth's surface, created on a single mathematical basis and design, conveying ... ... Tourist Encyclopedia

topographic map- topografinis žemėlapis statusas Aprobuotas sritis kartografija apibrėžtis Žemėlapis, kuriame vaizduojami Žemės paviršiaus topografiniai gamtiniai ir antropogeniniai objektai. atitikmenys: engl. topographic map vok. topographische Karte, f rus.… … Lithuanian dictionary (lietuvių žodynas)

topographic contour map- — Topics oil and gas industry EN surface contour map … Technical Translator's Handbook

Topographic map electronic- Electronic topographic map: an electronic (vector or raster) map made in the mathematical and geodetic bases accepted for national topographic maps, content, graphic and color design ...… ... Official terminology

Books

• How a topographic map is created, Alexey Mikhailovich Kuprin. The topographic map has become widespread in our life. There is not a single branch of the national economy associated with the use of the surface of the Earth, which could conduct its own ...

A topographic map is a graphic representation of an area. This document contains accurate information about the terrain, objects and objects located on it. A topographic map is a reduced in size, universal image of the earth's surface.

Classification of topographic maps

Topographic maps are divided into different kinds according to the following features: scale, special content of information, purpose of use. Miscellaneous different cards areas are also classified according to scientific areas.

Types of topographic maps:

1. Geographic.
2. Topographic.
3. Geological.
4. Historical.
5. Political.
6. Soil.

Topographic map scales

When compiling maps of the area, depending on the tasks, it is necessary to use different scales. Scale is the mathematical relationship between the length of the segment between certain points shown on the map and the actual distance between these points located on a particular area.

With the help of scales, you can determine the multiplicity of the reduction in the length on the plan in relation to the corresponding size on the ground. For example, a scale of 1: 10,000 indicates that all distances between points on the ground are reduced by a map of 10,000 times. Or 1 cm on the map is equal to 100 meters on the ground.

The number in the denominator affects the amount of zoom out. Smaller scale (small scale map) has more value in the denominator. For example, survey topographic small-scale maps have values ​​such as 1: 1,000,000 or 1: 500,000, etc. Large-scale documents contain more detailed information about the area being depicted. More details can be seen here.

Data on the numerical value of the scale is located at the very bottom of the image (beyond the southern frame of the document). The entry is in the form of a fraction. The numerator is always one. The denominator indicates the number of times the image has been reduced.

The scale value is how many real kilometers physically fit in one centimeter on the plan.

Conditional topographic designations

Objects and objects located on the ground are depicted on a topographic document in the form of conventional signs. For a competent reading of the information depicted, it is necessary to familiarize yourself and study the basic alphabet of the document - its conventional signs. Without this, it is impossible to study the area according to the topographic drawing.

Conditional topographical signs are divided into the following categories:

• large-scale conditional topographical signs;
• off-scale symbols;
• explanatory.

With the help of scale symbols, a description and image of local objects and objects is given, which can be shown on the drawing in the form of occupied areas and outlines on the scale of a plan or map. So rivers, lakes, swamps, mountains, forests, large buildings, bridges, railway and car roads, settlements.

Off-scale conventional signs denote objects that occupy small areas; they cannot be depicted on a scale: wells, radio masts, factory pipes, poles, individual buildings, etc.

With the help of explanatory topographic signs, additional information is given that characterizes the features of objects or objects located in a given area in combination with large-scale and off-scale signs: the direction of the flow of rivers, an indication of the type of forest plantations, etc.

In addition to graphic signs, topography uses various inscriptions for explanation, the purpose and purpose of the object is specified, for example, shk. - school. Numerical values ​​and proper names are also used to indicate specific settlements, rivers, roads, characteristics of their parameters (width, height, etc.).

For each locality, there is a specific system of conventional signs, with their help they designate: relief, hydrography, a network of roads and road junctions, local objects, boundaries, features of soil and vegetation cover. Conventional signs help to create a visual representation of the actual state of the area under study.

The purpose of topographic maps is to present a section of a particular area in a three-dimensional three-dimensional image. With the help of the so-called contour lines, the terrain is depicted. These are lines connecting equal heights above sea level. The reference point is the zero of the Kronstadt water-measuring station - the average level of the Baltic Sea.

If a separate relief cannot be shown using horizontal lines, they are depicted in the form of special conventional signs: cliffs, gullies, pits, mounds, ravines, rocks, etc.

Distance measurements on the map

Measurements on the map are made using a measuring compass. The needles of the compass are applied to the end points of the segments on the plan. And then the resulting compass solution is deposited on a regular ruler, where the length of each segment is determined. If there are more lines linear scale, the measurement is carried out in several stages.

The distances between points in the drawing along curved lines are measured step by step using small compass solutions. On average, the step length is 0.5 - 1.0 cm.

Long winding lines are measured with a special device called a curvimeter. It consists of a wheel and an arrow combined with a dial. The wheel moves along a specific line on the plan, the arrow indicates the distance traveled. The division price on the scale of the dial is equal to one kilometer or centimeter. The resulting readings in cm are multiplied by the scale of this plan.

Before the start of the journey, the arrow is set to zero. If, when rolling the wheel, the readings of the device decrease, it is necessary to turn the curvimeter by 180 °.

If you do not have a ruler with divisions or a curvimeter at hand, you can use a strip of paper or graph paper.

Orientation with a map

When orienting on the map, the standing point and comparison of the map with the surrounding area are first determined. The document is placed in such a position that its directions coincide with a specific area. In this case, the south is below, the north is above, the east and west are respectively on the right and left. Orientation of the map is carried out approximately by eye or with the help of a special line of sight or a compass.

Determination of the standing point

To determine the standing point, landmarks are used according to the following criteria:

1. Local items.
2. Characteristic details and landforms.
3. The notches left when passing distances.

The standing point is determined by near landmarks after orienting the map to the cardinal points and identifying on the ground, as well as on the plan of nearby objects or relief elements. Taking into account the scale and approximate distance to the identified objects, a standing point is marked on the document.

In this article, I will share simple and convenient tools (maps and programs) that I use myself to plan my easy walking routes and navigate them in the process.

Disadvantages of topographic maps of the General Staff

Topographic maps of the General Staff (usually paper or already scanned) are good, as they provide high-quality standardized information about the area. But it is not always possible to have sufficiently detailed maps. And it is impossible to use them “quickly” by opening the cards on a computer or smartphone. They are not presented as a whole and each area has to be searched individually and in advance.

Having performed a certain dance with a tambourine, you can bind the map scan to the coordinates in special programs and upload it to the navigator yourself. But again, this must be done in advance, you need a navigator, skill and time. And if you decide to just take a walk on vacation in a huge park or suddenly get lost somewhere in nature (especially in mountainous areas) and want to find a path? In such a situation, a once-installed application on a smartphone will surely help you out.

In addition, there are other goodies that are missing in topographic maps, which I will talk about later.

Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning a good service that connected the maps of the General Staff into a combined online map - Routes.ru. But so far I have not found such cards in applications on smartphones.

- modern topographic maps

For myself, I have long found a replacement that covers most of my goals (simple tracking). These are maps based on OpenStreetMap (OSM) data.

These are open non-commercial online maps all over the world created jointly by the participants of this project.
To create maps, data from personal GPS trackers, aerial photographs, video recordings, satellite imagery and street panoramas provided by some companies, as well as project participants.

In fact, this is data about objects created by a huge community of people in various ways. And anyone can freely build maps based on this data.

So why is OSM better? topographic cartgenstaff?

1. Completeness of coverage. They represent the whole world.
2. Detail and precision provided information about the terrain and the location of objects.
3. hiking trails. A large number of accurate information about hiking trails based on GPS trackers. And this is what allows you to use the map for direct navigation along the trails. And if you find yourself in conditions of unexpected snowfall and a swept path, poor visibility, such information will help you find the lost path. It has saved me many times.
4. Lots of easy to use programs and services for various devices and operating systems using these cards. All thanks to an open license. Most of them provide the ability to save maps offline on your device for navigating the area without using the Internet.
5. Possibility map export into all sorts of formats. Be it PNG, JPEG, SVG, PDF, PostScript or even Garmin and Polish format for other navigation software.
6. Some programs and services overlay these maps with data from other maps and sources adding information and functionality. For example, data from Wikimapia
7. If you have internet, you can load the desired area on the spot.

In addition, there is everything that is in topographic maps:

1. Terrain type. Rocks, forests, fields, rivers, reservoirs and all the rest.
2. The presence altitude information(OpenCycleMap, Landscape, OpenTopoMap).
3. Water sources

The list of advantages is far from complete and represents only what most clearly reflects the advantages from my point of view and for my purposes (tracking).

OSM based maps

The main and first map built on these data has the same name OpenStreetMap and is located at the address of the project itself. Often provides more useful terrain information than the next two, but does not display elevation.

These maps are available online both on the osm site itself and on its own domain.
The most interesting layers for tracking with heights are actually OpenCycleMap and Landscape (available only at http://www.opencyclemap.org).

Map (layer) Landscape, in my opinion, represents more information about the area.

Recently discovered these cards. Despite their name, they are also built on the OpenStreetMap database, but they are more like topographic maps and are similar in many ways to the Landscape layer mentioned above.

Wikimapia
The slogan of the project: "Let's describe the whole world!". An international project, an online geographic encyclopedia whose goal is to tag and describe all geographic features on Earth. And they do it very successfully. Wikimapia has over 2.4 million registered users and over 26 million features added to the map (as of 2016). The project uses various maps on its website, including OSM. On them and displays these objects. Wikimapia data often uses other services to overlay their maps.

Programs for a computer with OSM maps

To plan a route on a computer, you can use online maps in a browser. But this is not very convenient.

I am using the program SAS.Planet for Windows. The program accumulates all of the above cards except Landscape. As well as many other cards including General Staff cards from the service Routes.ru, GoogleMaps, YandexMaps and many others.

You can overlay data from other maps and databases on one card, thus creating personal information. Allows you to plot routes, measure distances, save marks, export maps and data to other formats. Allows you to connect a navigator and much more.

On the control geography I got a question about existing maps and their key features. I remember describing the characteristic features topographic map- more detailed information about the area, for which he received the "five".

What is a topographic map

It's accurate terrain image, indicating the location and characteristics of both natural and socio-economic objects. This map allows you to determine location of terrain points in space, obtain information about the quantity and quality of objects of interest. Depending on the tasks set, the required scale is determined, and the creation is possible on the basis of:

• holding photography object, or its measurement;
• analysis pictures from space or aerial photography;

• using existing big plans.

Like any other topographic map -reduced display of terrain. When creating, mathematical rules are applied, which minimizes possible distortions due to transfer to a plane ellipsoid the globe. This is the result of the work of teams consisting of specialists in various disciplines, and at the same time it is enough creative work.

Topographic map properties

Among the many properties, the most important measurability and visibility. Indeed, how realistic the transferred image of an object is the key to understanding its characteristics and features. As regards the evaluation number of objects and sizes, then measurability plays a key role here.

Image- the main part that conveys information about social and economic phenomena, their location, properties and much more. Also portrayed relief, communications, industrial facilities, settlements. To achieve maximum measurability, it is necessary to comply with geometric accuracy. This implies the conformity of the shape, size and location of the depicted object with reality. Plays a significant role map validity- the information that is presented on it must be reliable and up-to-date.

Topographic maps have come a long way of development: from a primitive drawing drawn up "by eye" to the most detailed images of areas of the terrain, allowing you to study its features. In fact, any map depicting earth's surface, will be geographical, and topographic is the best example of geographical.