1. Represent 3 dimensions in 2 dimensions SHOW ELEVATION by use of contour lines Show bodies of water, roads, buildings, political boundaries and place names Most useful to geologists, hikers and campers TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS

3. Every point along contour line is at the same elevation Each adjacent line represents a change in elevation Every 5 th line is bold and labeled with elevation CONTOUR LINES

4. MORE ABOUT CONTOUR LINES You can tell how steep an area is by looking at its contour lines Lines close together show steep elevation changes Lines farther apart represent a gentle slope Depressions are shown with hachure marks pointing inward

6. Look for the compass, sea level (if present), and the 1 st elevation marker. Determine the interval of the contour lines Find the map scale to determine distances Locate other markers (rivers, valleys, railways, bridges) ORIENT YOURSELF