1. Topographic Maps

2. What they show… Changes in elevation of Earth’s surface
Natural features (mountains, lakes, etc.)
Man made features (cities, roads, etc.)

3. Topo Terms…
Contour lines – lines on a map that connect points of equal elevation
Elevation – height above sea level

4. Topo Terms (cont’d.)…
Contour interval – difference in elevation between 2 adjacent (side-by-side) contour lines
Index contours – contour lines that are labeled to help you find the contour interval

6. Topo Terms (cont’d.)…
Map scale – compares distances on the map with distances on the Earth
Legend – explains symbols used on the map
Benchmark – point
of known elevation

7. Rules to Remember… Contour lines NEVER touch or cross
Contour lines make closed circles around hills and depressions
for example…

9. Rules to Remember… Hachure lines are used to show depressions
for example….

11. Rules to Remember…
Contour lines form V’s that point to lower elevations when they cross a ridge
Contour lines form V’s that point to higher elevations when they cross a stream
for example…

13. Reading a Topo… Determine the contour interval Determine the map scale
Identify any hills or depressions
Use the legend to identify man made features

14. Topo Profile… A cross section picture of the land surface
Determined by graphing contour lines
Shows changes in elevation across a certain portion of the map

15. Try one…