Terrain Mapping
Construct an artificial "land mass" and map the surface features of its terrain using a Motion Sensor.
PASPORT Motion Sensor
(PS-2103)
ScienceWorkshop Motion Sensor II
(CI-6742)
Lab Summary
Construct an artificial "land mass" and map the surface features of its terrain using a Motion Sensor.
Spacecraft such as the shuttle Endeavour and NASA's Mars Global Surveyor use instruments called laser altimeters to measure their altitude above surface features. Beams of light are bounced off land surfaces to determine the height of mountains and slopes and the depth of features such as valleys and craters. In a similar fashion, PASCO's Motion Sensors can be used to measure "altitude" above features of a land surface designed by students. The sensors emit ultrasonic pulses and receive back echoes of those pulses in order to calculate how far away objects are. (What animals use a similar means to determine their position with respect to objects in their environment?)
Consider some of the reasons why geologists or other environmental scientists might want information about surface features of landforms. Seismic studies depend on accurately measuring the location of faults both aboveground and underground. Measuring the height of geological structures such as mountains allow scientists to track processes that change Earth's shape over time. Determining the extent to which erosion has affected a slope will also depend on accurate measurements of surface features. What are other applications of terrain mapping?
Hypothesize: In this activity you will construct your own sample "landscape" using materials in your classroom. Predict what each of your "surface features" will look like on the graph display as a plot of your terrain is constructed.
Published: May 2003
Downloads
- Terrain Mapping - PASPORT (2 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup, procedures and Datastudio file
- Terrain Mapping - ScienceWorkshop (24 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup, procedures and Datastudio file
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware (PASPORT System)
PASPORT Motion Sensor (PS-2103A) - $80
Accurately measures position, velocity, and acceleration of a target. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Probeware (ScienceWorkshop System)
Motion Sensor II (CI-6742A) - $95
Accurately measures position, velocity, and acceleration of a target.
750 Interface, USB (CI-7650) - $679
The 750 Interface allows students to measure force, temperature, pressure, angular velocity, acceleration, current, and magnetic field with a built-in function generator and oscilloscope mode.
* Note: this activity is best suited to remote logging -- that is, collecting data while not connected to the computer and then downloading the data for analysis afterwards.
Other Materials
- Miscellaneous objects: backpacks, books, jackets, chairs, etc.
