Creating an Annotated Relief Map of Ancient China
Creating an
Annotated Relief Map of Ancient China
Assignments to hand in: Relief Map of China & Critical Thinking Questions
Step 1: Introduction - Look at the picture below and read the following text:
Cartographers (mapmakers) use several types of maps to
show the different elevation levels of land. The simplest one is a picture map.
On these maps, shadows and realistic drawings are used to show where hills,
mountains and valleys are located and what they look like. Cartographers can
provide a more accurate depiction of elevation by creating topographical maps.
On these maps, elevation is shown by means of contour lines. Contour lines on a
topographical map may be thought of as imaginary lines slicing horizontally
through layers of the earth at fixed intervals. Increases in elevation are shown
by drawing contour lines close together in parallel lines, or in rings around a
particular feature, much like concentric circles around a pebble thrown in a
pond. Relief maps use color and different levels, instead of contour lines, to
show changes in elevation. The number of colors used varies, but those used are
usually shown in the map key. On most relief maps, brown shows mountain peaks,
lighter shades of brown depict hills, and plains and lowlands are yellow and
green. Water is always shown in blue.
Step 2: Download and print out the student handouts:
Relief Map of China Elevation Pieces Relief Map Directions Relief Map Information Chart
Step 3: Follow the Relief Map Directions completely.
Step 4: Using your completed relief map, answer the following questions on the handout (Use a separate piece of paper):
Critical Thinking Questions About Settlement in Ancient China
Supplemental
Links:
China Relief Map PDF (Univ. of Texas Library)
China Topographic Map
(U.S. Army - Detailed into sections)
China Agriculture Map (1986 Univ. of Texas Library)
China Linguistic Groups Map (1990 Univ. of Texas Library)
