Topographic Maps

What they show…

• Changes in elevation of Earth’s surface

• Natural features (mountains, lakes, etc.)

• Man made features (cities, roads, etc.)

Topo Terms…• Contour lines – lines on a

map that connect points of equal elevation

• Elevation – height above sea level

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

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

Rules to Remember…• Contour lines NEVER touch

or cross• Contour lines make closed

circles around hills and depressions

for example…

Rules to Remember…

• Hachure lines are used to show depressions

for example….

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…

Reading a Topo…

• Determine the contour interval

• Determine the map scale

• Identify any hills or depressions

• Use the legend to identify man made features

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

Try one…