1. Topographic Maps

2. Show the shape of the Earth’s surface
Lines on the map are called contour lines
Contour lines show points of equal elevation

3. Contour Lines
Equal elevation

4. Contour Lines Never cross each other Connect with themselves
Get closer together as land gets steeper
Get further apart as land gets flatter

5. The distance that separates contour intervals

6. Contour Profile The shape you would see if were sliced along a line
(side view)

7. Interpreting Maps Maps can show data besides just elevation
First, data is collected on a field.
Equal points of data are connected and the lines created are called isolines. (iso = same)
Isolines can connect points of data such as:
Rainfall, Snowfall, Temperature, Air pressure, etc.

8. What can be inferred from these isotherms?

9. What could the approximate rainfall amount be at point X?

10. What is the highest isoline shown on the map?