Topographic Maps

A.4 B.3 C.2 D.1

What is a Topographic Map? Topographic maps show elevation by using contour lines –These maps would be important for geologists, hikers, campers which may not interest you but maybe… –When you purchase a house in the future, you may need to look at a topogrpahic map to make sure you are not buying a house in a floodplain or at the bottom of a hill

Topographic Map

Contour lines are used on topographic maps to indicate elevation –Every point that falls on the line is at the same elevation Index contour – contour lines that are labeled with their elevation

Contour interval – the difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines (there is usually a key that tells you this information) What is the contour interval on this map?

On a topographic map, the closer the lines are together, the steeper the slope Lines are close together which indicates a steep slope

On a topographic map, the farther apart the lines, the more gentle the slope Lines are farther apart which indicates a gentle slope

If the contour lines form a circle, then that is a hill or mountain If the contour lines form a circle with hachure marks, then that represents a depression Hill or MountainDepression

Contour lines never cross or intersect

When crossing a stream, contour lines are in the shape of a V and point upstream Remember, water can only flow downhill!