1. The FRAME Routine Topography Contour Lines Gentle Slopes Steep Slopes
Key Topic
is about…
So What? (What’s important to understand about this?)
Main idea
Topography
Understanding the size and shape of the land surface features of a region, by being able to read a topographic map.
Contour Lines
Stream or Valley
Depressions
Gentle Slopes
Used to determine elevation
If you walk along a contour line you never lose or gain elevation
All contour lines eventually close, either on a map or beyond its margin
Where a contour line crosses a stream or valley it bends to form a “V” that points upstream
Shown by closed hatched contour.
Hatched lines point downslope
Contour lines are WIDELY spaced
Contour do NOT cross or intersect each other
Steep Slopes
Contour Line Interval
Profile View
Aerial View
The numbers on the
line represent different elevations.
The contour interval is the difference between two adjacent contour lines.
Contour lines are closely spaced on steep slopes

2. The FRAME Routine Topography Contour Lines Gentle Slopes Steep Slopes
Key Topic
is about…
So What? (What’s important to understand about this?)
Main idea
Topography
Understanding the size and shape of the land surface features of a region, by being able to read a topographic map.
Contour Lines
Stream or Valley
Depressions
Gentle Slopes
Steep Slopes
Contour Line Interval
Profile View
Aerial View