E.Q: How do map makers represent elevations, relief and slope? Topographic Maps E.Q: How do map makers represent elevations, relief and slope?

Topographic Map – map showing the surface features of an area using symbols to portray the land as if you were looking from above Birds Eye View Topographic Maps

Topographic Maps Relief – the variations in elevation of a land surface Contour Line – represent elevation, relief, and slope; and connects points of equal elevation Contour Intervals – change in elevation from one contour line to another Index Contours – darker line than the others and are labeled with the elevation above sea level in round units

How to Read Topographic Maps To read a topographic map, you must understand the maps scale, symbols, and contour lines Places where lines are close together are very steep Where the lines are far apart the land is relatively gentle The actual elevation is written on every contour line Elevation – the height of an object above sea level How to Read Topographic Maps

If the contour lines are close together, then that indicates that area has a steep slope. If the contour lines are far apart, then that indicates the land has a low slope.

Map 1 Color the elevations on the topographic maps. Red: 50m and higher Orange: 40-50m Yellow: 30-40m Light green: 20-30m Dark green: 10-20m Purple: 0-10m Map 1

Map 2 Creating a topographic profile. Use a ruler to plot all the dots where the trail crosses a contour line. Connect the dots. Map 2