Types of Topographic Maps
Topographic maps are 2-D maps that show elevation through a series of contour lines. Lines placed closer together indicate steeper areas while more distance between lines indicates a flatter area. You can use the maps when planning hiking, hunting or fishing trips or when deciding if land is appropriate for development. Topographic maps come in various sizes and scales. The larger the size, the more area you can typically see on the map.
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7.5-Minute Quads
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These topographic maps cover an area measured by 7.5 minutes of longitude and 7.5 minutes of latitude. The 7.5 minute quad maps that are created by the U.S. Geological Survey have a scale of 1:24,000, where 1 inch is equal to 24,000 inches or 2,000 feet. These maps cover the smallest area and show the most detail. Engineers, city planners and people interested in outdoor recreation will find these maps the most useful.
15-Minute Quads
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The 15-minute quad maps cover four times the area of a 7.5 minute quad map. They cover 15 minutes of longitude by 15 minutes of latitude. These maps generally contain a scale of 1:62,500, where 1 inch equals 62,500 inches or about 5,208 feet. Generally, planners use these maps for land management.
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1-Degree Sheet
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The 1-degree sheet map covers 1 degree of longitude and 30 minutes of latitude. Eight 15-minute quads will fit in the 1-degree sheet. The typical scale for the 1-degree sheet is 1:100,000, where 1 inch equals 100,000 inches or about 8,333 feet. People use maps of this scale in state and regional planning.
2-Degree Sheet
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A 2-degree sheet holds an area of 2 degrees of longitude and 1 degree of latitude. This is typically the largest type of topographical map. A 2-degree sheet will hold four 1-degree sheets. These maps usually have a scale of 1:250,000, where 1 inch equals 250,000 inches or about 20,833 feet. These maps show the largest area with the least degree of detail. They offer a broad look at an area and are useful in regional planning.
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