Materials needed to make a topo map, and how to make one?

Question

Making a topo map of Texas historical events. I chose the Alamo battle.

Answer 1

SALT AND FLOUR MAPS - Make on a dry day, no rain

Mix 2 cups flour,
1 cup salt and
3/4 cup water. (Add a little water at a time).
This should make a very thick dough. Add more flour if needed.

Spread dough over map you've outlined on heavy cardboard or plywood. Shape mountains, valleys, plains, etc.
You may dip fingers lightly in water to smooth out rough places in dough.

Allow to dry and paint with tempra.

Answer 2

When I was in sixth grade we used Ivory Snow to make a topographical map. It is ordinary clothing detergent that is made to be soft and gentle for baby clothes or something, available at any store. Just add water and it turns into a moldable soap-like playdough. Its kind of like soap that has been left in the tub when the water drains out, it's all soft and pliable when you pick it up, you know? Anyway squish it onto a piece of thin cardboard like the back of a cereal box, then mold away. When it dries it gets hard and then you can paint it. (Or maybe add the color ahead of time to the mixture?)

Answer 3

you can use paper mache... or play dough... or that salt dough but I don't know the recipe. Or you can buy a slab of styrofoam and carve it. Polymer clay would be cool, depending on the size of the map.

Answer 4

you will need an areal photo of the area, a GPS, and possibily some surveying equipment and a surveyor