1. Introduction to Topography

2. What is a Topographic Map?
A Topographic Map shows the shape, or features, of the land.

3. These Features Can Be:
Human made –
Dams
Roads
Railroad Stations
Natural such as –
Mountains
Plateaus
Plains

4. Elevation

5. Elevation Changes as you go up a mountain…

6. Contour Lines- How elevation is shown on a Topography Map.

7. Contour Intervals- The true distance between each line.

8. Slopes
The slope of a landform or area is how steep it is. (Rise over Run – see board)
Where the slopes are steeper, the contour lines are closer together!
Where the slopes are more gentle, the contours lines are further apart!

10. Real Life Topographic Map

11. Contour Line Rules Contours never touch or cross each other.
Circles show highest and lowest points.
Contour interval is always the same on a map.
Index contour lines mark elevations.

12. One last thing…
Hatchurs – are small “dash” lines that go parallel to contour lines to show a depression/valley (see board)
Relief – term similar to elevation
Contour lines form V’s that point upstream when they cross streams (see board)