A map is not an objective depiction of reality. It is a symbolic interpretation of place and highlights the relationships between elements in space, either perceived or actual. It reflects choices, biases, and agendas of the mapmaker. When you see or make a map, think critically about it. ...
Above is an example of a USGS topographic map of Stowe, Vermont, USA. The map features 20-foot (6.096 m) contour intervals. Other than that, the map shows the riverbank, hill, and the lower village area. Below is another example from the section of a topographic map of the Nablus area...
Many of these gaging stations transmit their data to USGS continuously, and that data is published to the web. Read our article on stream gaging stations to learn more about this network and how you can obtain hydrograph data for streams near your home....
data is a point. Two or more points form a line, and three or more lines form a polygon. For example, Google Maps—a common web map and visual representation that uses vector data—defines the location of a city using points; roads using lines; and buildings or boundaries using polygons...
It is also concerned with the organisms of the planet and how the planet has changed over time. Geologists search for fuels and minerals, study natural hazards, and work to protect Earth's environment.Earth Scientists Map the Surface Mapping lava flows: Charlie Bacon, a USGS volcanologist, ...
How is a topographic map different from a planimetric map? What is the difference between a topographic and physical map? Why do all USGS topographic maps use the same legend? On topographic maps, how do you represent a steep slope?
A basemap is a fundamental building block of cartography that provides geographical context to the map and other dataset layers above it.
A map is a type of language, a graphic way of representing information, whether it's to show population density or tell you how to get from Point A to Point B. Here's how they're made.
GIS is a step beyond traditional maps. A map represents a rendering of a set of spatial data, and while this rendering has great importance within GIS, it is but one of its many components. GIS includes not only data and their rendering, but also all the operations that can be performed...
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced information. It uses data that is attached to a unique location. United States Geological Survey (USGS) A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, ...