Chapter 2 Section 4: Topographic Maps Key Terms: Topographic map Contour line Contour interval Index contour Key Concepts: How do mapmakers represent elevation, relief, and slope? How do you read a topographic map? What are some uses of topographic maps?

Mapping Earth’s Topography A topographic map shows the surface features of an area. Mapmakers use contour lines to represent elevation, relief, and slope on topographic maps. A contour line connects points of equal elevation. The contour interval is the change in elevation from contour line to contour line. Index contours are every 5th contour line.

Reading a topographic map Familiarize yourselves with the map’s scale and symbols and the contour lines! Scale: topographic maps are usually large- scale maps. Large-scale maps show a close- up view of part of Earth’s surface. Symbols: mapmakers use a variety of symbols. Interpreting contour lines: The first step toward “seeing” an area’s topography.

Practice Page 57 in your book, analyzing data.