How To Build A Topographic Map By Mr. Hagen

A topographic map is the representation of a landform showing the elevations of a certain area. These elevations are represented by lines called contour lines.  Each contour line coresponds to the elevation of that particular location on the landform.  The space between each contour line is called the contour interval.  Each space between the contour lines must be the same value.

This is a mountain made of clay. The next slide will show the first “layer” of the mountain after is is “sliced” and then laid on paper. After laying the first slice of mountain on the paper or cardboard, we will draw around it with a sharpie and add the elevation.  The bottom of the first layer is at sea level or 0 0  The top of the layer is at 50 feet, so when I put the next slice down, its contour line will be at 50 feet.