Exercise 1 - Topographic Maps and Landforms "Everyone should have the personal satisfaction of knowing where they are." Purpose: This lab will provide: Basic principles necessary for understanding physical and cultural features represented on maps. Basic principles necessary for recognizing landforms and determining elevation on topographic maps. An appreciation of 3-dimensional reconstructions of the Earth's surface. Objectives: In addition to learning the basic principles listed above, students will: Measure distances between points on a map using appropriate scales. Determine the elevation of any point on the map. Determine the direction in which a given stream/river flows. Contour the surface of the Earth and create a topographic map. Determine erosion rate, and relate to the formation of landforms