Analysis of Jasper and Saskatoon's Maps Differences

I will be introducing the comparisons and distinctions that separate these two regions from each other. In viewing the topographic maps along with the topographic symbols, it is vividly apparent that the lay of the land in Saskatoon is flat, appearing to consist of a much larger landmass. On the other hand, Jasper is mainly mountainous and forested, one of the vast differences between the two. I will cover landscapes, population, transportation, waterways, economy, and recreation. Jasper has many distinct features, like the land structure, economic revenue and other fascinating things. Furthermore, I will discuss the connections between the two. For a quick sample, each town has a large river which is flowing through the center of the individual maps.

When analyzing Jasper and Saskatoon's map's differences and similarities, it's clear to see that there are very few similarities between the two. One of the more obvious similarities is the highways presented on the charts. Jasper being in the center of the map, the roadways are marked with their route numbers, travelling through the town's primary population. Similarly, Saskatoon has freeways running through the city's main population and spreading across the entire map. Another similarity is the campsites; looking at Jasper, there are a total of five picnic/campsites marked. Saskatoon has three campground sites on its map, showing that this is a connection. For the last similarity, there is a river flowing through both towns. Located in Jasper, the river of Athabasca flows directly through the town center, which is likely the city's water supply source. 

Similarly, the South Saskatoon River also flows undeviatingly into and through the center of the city. Also, Saskatoon is bordered on the west by Alberta, Jasper, near the BC/Alberta border. To conclude, Jasper and Saskatoon have very few similarities, with highways, rivers, and campsites.

There are many distinct features the map of Jasper seems to have, such as land structure, buildings, and economic revenue, to name a few. The first dominant feature on the map is the numerous contour lines,  showing there are mountains. On the map, these lines show elevations ranging from 4500m to 7000m above sea level. These mountain ranges make up the majority of the mapped areas, with such mountains as Pyramid Mountain, Mount Zengel, Grissette Mountain, and Indian Ridge. Also, the contour lines are much closer together.  Indicating the cliffs are extraordinarily steep, forming canyons.  Another distinct feature is the lack of buildings/urbanization; it shows forests, lakes and cabins, and little red squares throughout the map. Another feature is the water, which is more concentrated in a few lakes and rivers.

The small amount of building structures are a gasoline station, cabins and small hostels. What also differentiates the two is the way of earning revenue. Jasper's economy comes from ski resorts, camping, fishing, hiking, scenic drives and fantastic views. Jasper has ski lifts, multiple cable cars with an aerial view, and a lookout on the whistlers to provide evidence. It offers hostels, cabins and campsites.  The symbols provided on the topographic map are easily accessible, unique due to Saskatoon's different landforms and area.  To summarize, Jasper has numerous unique features that help differentiate it from Saskatoon; this includes tourism, the way of revenue, landforms, buildings and concentration of lakes. But the most critical characteristic is Jasper is a protected National Parkland.

I have found Saskatoon's diverse characteristics throughout my analysis, including the dirt roads, location, urbanization, transportation, and economic revenue. Saskatoon has multiple ways of economic flourishment, which is clearly shown by the symbols and areas. In clarifying this, the map has 15 mines, suggesting that the mining industry is valuable to the city's economy.  Also, there are several power plants, 25 to be accurate. The city's economy likely relies on farming as well due to its location. For instance, the area has no mountains or hills and is completely flat, which insinuates the grid-like pattern inroads and contour lines shortage. Another distinguished hallmark is the massive amount of red squares in the grids (or population representing the residential population of people living in Saskatoon, suggesting that the location is more urbanized and geared towards tourism. As evidence, the map displays six symbols representing golf courses, a zoo, an airport, and electric facilities. Also, Saskatoon is much larger than Jasper with its numerous cities and lakes.  Within the map, there are three cities, multiple parks, Moon Lake, and extensive roadways. 80% of the charted roads on the map are dirt roads. The topographic map symbols mark many gridded shaped dirt-roading. The dirt road symbol is orange and slightly thick. It also has more highways overall, the roads being more evident on this map. Lastly, one of the less distinct features is the amount of water on the map, showing the water as sporadic, spreading across several Saskatoon maps. For example, the blue line symbol for water is visible throughout the entire place. Likely, a significant source of water reservoirs for farmlands. To conclude, there are several differences between the two, including roadways, forms of transportation, waterways, urbanization and land structure.

In conclusion, the two maps have very little in common, and most features are distinct from each other. To provide evidence: Jasper and Saskatoon's single commonality is a river that flows directly through their landmasses. Thus, bringing us to unique features: Jasper has many unique qualities due to the landforms and geographical location. For example, Jasper offers several recreational activities to do with lakes, rivers and mountains and is a protected National Park. Therefore Saskatoon also has individual traits by being a more urbanized and much larger area with developed infrastructures: buildings, roads, railroads, electric plants, an airport, numerous golf courses, and fifteen mines. There are several forms of transportation; trains, buses, planes. And lastly, an abundance of agricultural land.