1. Contour Mapping and the Rule of “V’s”

2. What are contour lines?
These

3. Elevation is how far above sea-level a landform is.
What is Elevation?
Elevation is how far above sea-level a landform is.

4. What do contour lines show?
Elevation
Map B – measured feet
Map A
What is the highest elevation on map A? Map B?
3500 feet
47 feet

5. Reading a map with rivers
Knowing which way a river flows is often the key to being able to label contours correctly. It helps you find direction.
What happens to the contour lines in this picture when they cross a river?
They bend to form an upside down “V”.

6. Examples of V’s

7. The Rule of Vs The point of the V is facing upstream.
This means the elevation is higher in the direction of the point.

8. Example of contour map

9. Depression Contours

10. Contour Spacing

11. Example of topo map