1. Topographic Map Skills

2. Topographic map – is a detailed map that shows both physical and human features.

3. Contour Lines – thin brown lines that trace the surface elevation, show how high the land is above sea level.
Top View
Side View

4. Secrets in the Lines
A - Where the slopes are steeper, the contour lines are closer together
B - Where the slopes are gentler, the contours lines are further apart A B

5. · Contour Interval Contour interval – this is
Top View
Contour interval – this is
the distance between each
contour line. It remains the
same for the whole map. 14
Spot Height – this is the
exact height of the land at
that point only.
The red circle shows a
spot height. (14)
Bottom View

6. Spot & Contour Heights A) B) C) D) E) 12 A 45 E B D 20 30 C

7. Which Way Do Rivers Flow
Contours can show
you the direction that
rivers flow.
The V shaped
contours point up the
valley.
Rivers flow down
valleys.

8. Seatwork
Complete the ‘Geolab 9’ worksheet.