Mary is a good cartographer, she intends to produce a contoured map of Dar es Salaam.What type of survey method would you advise her to apply?

Mary is a good cartographer, she intends to produce a contoured map of Dar es Salaam.What type of survey method would you advise her to apply?

To produce a contoured map of Dar es Salaam, Mary would need to employ a survey method that allows for accurate elevation data collection. One common survey method used for this purpose is the topographic survey.




A topographic survey involves the measurement and mapping of the physical features of a land area, including its elevations, slopes, and natural and man-made features. This type of survey provides the necessary data to create contour lines, which depict the shape and relief of the land surface.

In the case of producing a contoured map of Dar es Salaam, Mary would need to conduct a topographic survey that involves the following steps:

  • Field Work: Mary would need to visit and survey the area of interest, Dar es Salaam. She would need to use surveying instruments such as a total station, global positioning system (GPS), or a digital level to measure the elevation of various points across the city.
  • Control Points: Establishing control points throughout the area is crucial for accurate mapping. These control points serve as reference points and are used to tie the survey data together. They are typically marked using permanent markers or by recording their geographic coordinates.




  • Data Collection: Mary would need to collect elevation data at regular intervals across the surveyed area. This involves taking height measurements at predetermined locations or at specific intervals along traverses or transects.
  • Contour Generation: Once the elevation data is collected, Mary can use specialized software or manual techniques to generate contour lines. Contour lines connect points of equal elevation, and their spacing and characteristics depend on the desired level of detail and the terrain of the area.
  • Map Compilation: Finally, Mary would compile the contoured map using the generated contour lines, along with other relevant geographic features and labels, such as roads, rivers, buildings, and landmarks. The map would provide a visual representation of the topography of Dar es Salaam, accurately depicting its elevation variations.




By conducting a topographic survey and using the data collected, Mary can produce a contoured map of Dar es Salaam that accurately represents the city’s topography and elevation patterns. This information is valuable for various applications, including urban planning, engineering, and environmental assessments.

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IAM experienced geography teacher with more than three years of teaching and creating content related to geography and other subjects for both high school and college students. hope you will find the content of this website useful to your studies and daily life

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