1. Topographic Maps

2. What is a Topographic Map?
In contrast to most maps, a topographic map shows the shape of the Earth’s surface by using contour lines.

3. Topographic Map
A map that shows the surface features of Earth
Shows the elevation of a specific area
Height of an object above sea level

4. Parts of a Topographic Map
Contour Lines
A line that connects points of equal elevation
Used to show features of the land
Mountains, valleys, etc

5. Contours are imaginary lines that join points of equal elevation above or below sea level.

7. Features of a Topographic Map
Natural Features
Rivers, lakes
Mountains
Artificial (man made) features
Cities
Roads, bridges

10. Contour Lines
Spacing of lines depends on slope characteristics
Close contour lines = steeper slope
Farther apart contour lines = gentle slope

13. Contour Interval
The difference in elevation between one contour line and the next
Based on the areas relief
The difference between the highest and lowest points in an area

15. Index Contour
A darker, bolder contour line that indicates a change in elevation
Usually found every fifth contour line

17. Reading Topographic Maps
Features on Earth’s surface can be represented by colors
Blue = Water
Brown = contour lines
Green = wooded areas

18. Golden Rules of Topographic Maps
Contour lines never cross, all points on a line represent one elevation
Spacing of contour lines depends on steepness of slope
Close = steep slope
Far apart = gentle slope

19. Contour lines that cross a valley or stream are V-shaped
The V points towards the area of highest elevation
Tops of mountains or hills are shown by closed circles
Depressions have hash marks pointing towards the center

21. Let’s take a walk up a hill!

22. We’re now at an elevation of 100 meters.

23. Let’s keep going!
100m

24. Now we’re at 200m.
200m
100m

25. Shall we march on?
200m
100m

26. We’ve made it to 300m!
300m
200m
100m

27. On to the peak!
300m
200m
100m

28. We’re on the peak, but what’s our elevation?
300m
200m
100m

29. Let’s add contour lines for every 50 meters and see if that helps.
Any ideas?
Let’s add contour lines for every 50 meters and see if that helps.
300m
200m
100m

30. We know that we are above 350m, but less than 400m.

31. Let’s head down the hill, it’s getting late!
350m
300m
250m
200m
150m
100m
50m

32. Now what’s our elevation?
If you said somewhere between 200m and 250m you are right!
350m
300m
250m
200m
150m
100m
50m

33. Let’s try this again!
350m
300m
250m
200m
150m
100m
50m

34. What’s our elevation now?
If you said 50m or just under, you’re right!
350m
300m
250m
200m
150m
100m
50m

35. Let’s now look at the same hill, but the way we might see it from an airplane!

36. Each color change represents a 50 meter increase.

37. Now, let’s try the same hike! Our elevation is 0 meters.

38. Now what is our elevation?

39. If you said more than 150 meters, but less than 200 meters your right!

40. Let’s go a little higher.

41. Think you know our elevation now?
More than 300meters
But less than 350meters

42. If we were standing on the peak, what would be our elevation?
More than 350 meters, less than 400 meters

43. Let’s head down hill.

44. Know our elevation?

45. More than 100 meters,
less than 150 meters

46. Let’s see what you know. E C D B
1200m F
1000m A
800m
400m
600m

47. Quiz Time
Grab a piece of paper and write your answers to the following questions.
Ready?

48. 1. Could the elevation at the peak (B) be 1410 meters?F
1000m A
800m
400m
600m

49. 2. What is the elevation at (E)?C D B
1200m F
1000m A
800m
400m
600m

50. 3.What is the elevation difference between (A) and (B)?
1200m F
1000m A
800m
400m
600m

51. 4. Could the elevation at (F) be 417 meters?

52. 5. If you walked a straight line from (D) to (C) would you walk over a ridge or down a valley?B
1200m F
1000m A
800m
400m
600m

53. 6.Just looking at the map, would it be easier to head down from the peak going East, or going North?C D B W E
1200m F
1000m A
800m
400m
600m S

54. 1. No :The elevation must be under 1400 meters, but over 1300 meters.
Answers!
1. No :The elevation must be under 1400 meters, but over 1300 meters.
2. about 400 meters

55. Answers!
3. (A) is probably close to the 750 meter line, (B) is above 1300 meters. The difference between the two would probably be 650 to 700 meters.

56. 4. No: It must be more than 700 meters and less than 800 meters.
Answers!
4. No: It must be more than 700 meters and less than 800 meters.
5. Down a valley: If the contour lines point up the slope it’s a valley, if they point down the slope it’s a ridge.

57. Answers!
6. East: When contour lines are close together that means there is a steep slope, the further apart the lines, the more gentile the slope and therefore an easier walk! Go east!