GEL 1008: Lab 6, locating systems

GEL 1008
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY

Physical Geology On-line Lab and Helpful Lab Hints

Exercise 6: Topographic Maps

Locating Systems

Problem 1.j. - the UTM system

On many topographic maps, the UTM grid is represented by thin black lines spaced 1000 meters apart.
The UTM system is described on pages 98-99. On a topographic map, the numbers are written as ^####^000mN or ^####^000mE or, more simply as ^####. When written in the ^#### format, the ^000mN or ^000mE must be added to the end as appropriate.
You may refine your location by measuring the additional meters north or east of the nearest UTM grid line using the metric graphical scale at the bottom of the map.
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Problem 1.k. & 1.l. - the U.S. Public land Survey System (PLSS)

The PLSS (township/tier-range system) is described on pages 100.
Remember, the descriptions are written from smallest to largest and can be read as "The ___1/4 of the ___1/4 of the ___1/4 of section ___ in Tier___, Range___."
The PLSS is represented in red ink. The section numbers are written as close to the center of each section as possible. The Tier and Range numbers are written on the edges of the map as close to the Tier or Range boundaries as possible.
To determine the quarter sections, use the green plastic overlay (available in the lab). Place the section pattern over the section in which the college is located.
To determine the size of IVCC, use the cut-outs on the green plastic overlay.
see image

Problem 1.i. - longitude, latitude system

The longitude-latitude system is described on pages 97-98.
Longitude and latitude are measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds (##° ##' ##"). The degrees, minutes, and seconds are given at the corners of the map, but along the sides of the map, only minutes and seconds (##' ##") are shown in 2' 30" intervals.
see image