TOPOGRAPHIC MAP: KEY CONCEPTS

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP: KEY CONCEPTS

Contour maps show the following:

•The elevation of the land above sea level.

“A bird’s eye view!

RULES OF CONTOUR LINES

The connect points that are at the same elevation

They never cross or touch

They are imaginary lines

They always connect and form a circle

PARTS OF A TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

BENCHMARK:

A benchmark is a place on a map where exact elevation is known. It is marked BM on a map.

PARTS OF A TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

MAP SCALE

A map scale shows the distance on a map in relation to Earth.

PARTS OF A TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

MAP LEGEND

A map legend explains the symbols used on a map.

OTHER KEY CONCEPTS

CONTOUR INTERVAL

A contour interval is the difference in elevation between two contour lines.

OTHER KEY CONCEPTS

When lines are close together, they represent a steep slope.

When lines are spread apart, they represent a gradual slope.

WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

Dark Contour Lines:

WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

Hachure Lines:

WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

Blue Lines/Shapes:

WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

Brown Lines:

WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

Black Lines/Shapes:

WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

Green:

WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

Red

DID YOU KNOW?

Contour lines that cross water form a “V” that points UPSTREAM!