Over a period of a hundred years how could it be determined how the shape of a structure on earth has changed using topographical maps
To determine how the shape of a structure on Earth has changed over a hundred years using topographical maps, you would need access to multiple maps spanning that period. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Collect historical topographical maps: Obtain topographical maps of the area where the structure is located from various points in time over the hundred-year period. These maps should ideally cover the same area and be to the same scale so that accurate comparisons can be made.
2. Georeferencing: Use modern geographical reference points or known control points to align the historical maps with the current map or to each other. This process, known as georeferencing, ensures that all maps are aligned spatially and can be compared accurately.
3. Digitize the structure: Digitize the outline or boundary of the structure on each map. This can be done by manually tracing the shape of the structure on each map or using remote sensing techniques such as satellite imagery or aerial photos, provided those images are available for historical periods.
4. Compare the shape of the structure: Overlay or superimpose the digitized shapes of the structure from different time periods onto a single map or a geographic information system (GIS) software. By comparing the shapes, you can visually observe any changes or shifts in the structure's shape over time.
5. Quantitative analysis: To quantify the changes, you can measure key parameters such as length, width, height, area, or volume of the structure using the topographical map's scale. By comparing these measurements across various time points, you can determine how the shape has changed in numerical terms.
6. Consider other factors: While topographical maps provide valuable information about changes in shape, it's important to consider other factors that could contribute to any observed changes. Factors like erosion, urban development, natural disasters, or infrastructure modifications may affect the shape of the structure independently of the land's topography.
By following these steps and analyzing the changes in the structure's shape over time on topographical maps, you can gain insights into how the structure's physical appearance has evolved over a hundred years.