The objective of this exercise is to introduce you to the use of topographic maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topographic maps can be used as basic aids to explore landscapes in an indoor setting. Many types of information can be taken off of a typical map sheet and this lab will explore some of those methods. You will be using a map sheet produced by the Government of Canada as part of a national series of general purpose topographic maps. These maps are known as the National Topographic Series (N.T.S.), and show the relief and major features of the Canadian landscape. N.T.S. maps are produced at scales ranging from 1:25,000 to 1:1,000,000. Maps are identified by a title, and by a code number which identifies the map scale and coverage area.

In this exercise, you will use N.T.S. map 21 H/10, which is titled the “Alma” map sheet, and shows the topography and other landscape features for the Chignecto Bay area of the upper Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The map is at a scale of 1:50,000. A detailed legend on the side of the map sheet identifies the various symbols used on the map. Note that all spot heights and contour values on the map sheet are in metres. The locations of features in this exercise are specified using the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Military Grid. This is a rectangular or planar coordinate system printed as a light blue overlay on the map sheet. The video tutorials will teach you how to use them.

Reading a Contour Intervals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoVcRxza8nI

Introduction to UTM system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcVlx4Gur7I

Natural Resources Canada Index of 1:50,000 National Topographic Series maps.

http://ftp.maps.canada.ca/pub/nrcan_rncan/raster/topographic/50k/

Procedure

1. Use the map legend to identify the symbol or feature located at the following map reference locations: 

681632	811647	469517
463583	612504	572540
738644	501587	513520

2. How much tidal flat is uncovered at low tide on New Horton Flat, from Mary’s Cove to the water’s edge (700635)? 

3. Calculate the distance and the elevation change between Beaver Dam Lake (703399) following downstream along Sand River, to the estuary on the coast. Which direction does the Sand River flow? (5 marks)

4. Use these values to calculate the gradient (i.e., slope = rise/run) of the river channel between these two points in m/km and degrees. Note: To calculate slope in degrees you have to first standardize the units that you will be using and then divide the rise over the run. The resulting number is the tangent of the slope. To find the slope in degrees you will have to find the inverse tangent of your number. Think SOH CAH TOA! (tanθ = opposite/adjacent) 

5. Using Google Earth, make two placemarks with the “add placemark” tool in UTM Zone 20T at (Placemark 1: 356592.20 m E, 5057241.56 m N) and (Placemark 2: 362911.55 m E, 5053189.11 m N). Now create a path between the two placemarks using the “add path” tool, from Placemark 1 to Placemark 2, name it, and then click OK. Now right click on the path and choose “Show elevation profile” from the menu. By running your cursor along the profile, it will give you spot elevations and distance, along with an arrow showing your position on the map. Use this tool to answer the following questions 

i) What are the elevations at these profile distances? 0 km, 2.05 km, 5.89 km, 6.7 km and 7.29 km.

ii) At what distances does Route #114 and Route #915 cross the profile?

iii) Given the Bay of Fundy tides rise at least 5m above mean sea level in this area of the bay, what areas are frequently flooded with sea water? Provide distance measurements along the profile as answers (i.e., from XX km to XX km, at XX km, etc.).

iv) Finally, report the total distance of the profile, along with the total elevation gain and loss of the profile.