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A Different Kind of Topography:A Different Kind of Topography:A Different Kind of Topography:A Different Kind of Topography:
Question of the DayQuestion of the DayQuestion of the DayQuestion of the Day
Question: What’s the difference between latitude and longitude?
Answer: … … …Turn In:
-Coastal Upwelling-Current Event Article, Summary, & Evaluation-CYU’s 1, 5, 6-Review Sheet (any 11 done so far)
Topographic Maps
Contour Mapping
Topographic maps, also called contour maps, topo maps, or topo quads, are maps that show topography, or land contours, by
means of contour lines.
Contour lines are curves that connect contiguous points of the same altitude.
Contour Lines
Mt. RiddleMt. Ginger
Mt. Tipster
Where the slopes are
steeper, the contour lines
are closer together!
Where the slopes are
gentler, the contours lines
are further apart!
How Steep is the Slope?
Contour Interval
difference in altitude between two adjacent contour lines
Helps determine differences in elevation between two points
Usually given at the bottom of the map.
consistent throughout a map (in most cases)
What is Relief?
Relief is the difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points in a region!
Rules of Contour Mapping
1. Every point on a given contour line
is of the exact same elevation; that is,
contour lines connect points of equal elevation.
2. Contour lines always close to form an irregular circle– sometimes part of a contour line extends beyond the
mapped area, so that you cannot see the entire line.
Rules of Contour Mapping
Rules of Contour Mapping
3. Contour lines never split.
4. Evenly-spaced contour lines represent a uniform slope. Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep
slope.
Cliffs or Sharps Drop Offs
(Where the slopes are steeper, the contourlines are closer together!)
6. Depression contours have
hachure marks on the downhill side and
represent a closed depression (hole).
5. A concentric series of closed contours
(like a target or bullseye) represents a
hill.
Hachure marks
Depression Contours
When Contour Lines Cross Rivers
7. Contour lines form a V pattern when crossing
rivers or streams.
The apex (point) of the V always points upstream
(uphill) and the river flows the opposite way
8. In cases where slope orientation changes (like on top of a hill or in a valley), contour lines of equal elevation will
be repeated.