1. Topographic Maps

2. Topographic maps Show elevation –height above sea level
Elevation is represented by contour lines
Contour lines never cross
Contour interval is the difference in elevation between 2 adjacent lines

3. Determine: A) contour interval B) which direction the river is flowing
C) the highest elevation on the map
D) the steepest side of the mountain

4. What can you learn from a looking at a topographic map?
The closer the contour lines are together, the steeper the slope.
The more farther apart the contour lines are, the more gentle (more flat) the slope.

5. Rivers flow downhill toward the ocean (sealevel)
Rivers flow downhill toward the ocean (sealevel). You can determine which direction a river flows. (flows from higher elevation to lower elevations or opposite the V shape)

6. Hatched lines indicate a depression (crater)

7. The Trouble With Topos