by Jim Riesterer . . . . . . . . . . Edited by Scott Hughes, Dan Narsavage & Diana Boyack
Topographic Maps Tutorial
Introduction & Materials
What is a Map?
Using Topo Maps
Map Scale
Reference Datum
Map Projections
Distortions
Grid Systems
Geographic
UTM
State Plane
Public Land Survey
Vertical Scale
Creating Profiles
Vertical Exaggeration
Calculating Slope
Using a Compass
Magnetic Declination
Get a Bearing
Go from A to B
Find Self on a Map
Topographic Maps Field Exercises
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Exercise 4
GeoSTAC Home
Field Exercises
geostac@gmail.com
April 7, 2008
Vertical Exaggeration
Depending on why you are creating your topographic profile, you may want to use vertical exaggeration when constructing it.
Vertical exaggeration simply means that your vertical scale is larger than your horizontal scale (in the example you could use one inch is equal to 1000 ft. for your vertical scale, while keeping the horizontal scale the same). Vertical exaggeration is often used if you want to discern subtle topographic features or if the profile covers a large horizontal distance (miles) relative to the relief (feet).
To determine the amount of vertical exaggeration used to construct a profile, simply divide the real-world units on the horizontal axis by the real-world units on the vertical axis.
If the vertical scale is one 1"=1000’ and the horizontal scale is 1"=2000’, the vertical exaggeration is 2x (2000’/1000’).
