Contour Mapping and the Rule of “V’s”
What are contour lines? These
What do contour lines show? Elevation Map B – measured feet Map A What is the highest elevation on map A? Map B? 3500 feet 47 feet
Reading a map with rivers Knowing which way a river flows is often the key to being able to label contours correctly. It helps you find direction. What happens to the contour lines in this picture when they cross a river? They bend to form an upside down “V”.
Examples of V’s
What does the upside down V mean? The point of the V is facing upstream. So you know the elevation is higher in the direction of the point.
Example of contour map
Depression Contours
Contour Spacing
Example of topo map
Drawing Contour Lines Let’s Practice!
Demo for drawing contour lines on map
Contour Activity #1
Contour Activity #2