Topographic Map Notes

1. Contour lines Connect points of equal elevation

http://raider.muc.edu/~mcnaugma/Topographic%20Maps/contour.htm

2. The zero contour line is at sea level

http://raider.muc.edu/~mcnaugma/Topographic%20Maps/contour.htm

3. Contour interval The difference in elevation between 2 consecutive contour lines.

What is the contour interval for this map What is the contour interval for this map? (How many feet between each line?) http://raider.muc.edu/~mcnaugma/Topographic%20Maps/contour.htm

4. Index contours Every 5th line may be darker and numbered rather than every line numbered.

Index contours-notice how every 5th line is numbered Index contours-notice how every 5th line is numbered. (What is the contour interval?) http://raider.muc.edu/~mcnaugma/Topographic%20Maps/contour.htm

5. Features of a topographic map A) steep slopes—closely spaced lines B) gentle slopes—widely spaced lines C) valley—u or v shaped lines D) depression—hachure lines on a closed circle E) mountain—circular contour lines getting smaller and smaller

Stream valleys

6. Flat surfaces have a small contour interval (5 feet or 5 meters) 7. Mountainous areas have a larger contour interval. (40 feet, 100 feet)

8. Contour lines A) are endless B) never branch or fork C) never cross D) form v’s that point upstream when they cross a stream