How do you read topographic maps?
One side of a contour line is uphill and one is downhill Contour lines close to form a circle (or run off the side of the map) The area inside the circle is almost always higher than the contour line Contour lines are drawn close together on steep ground and farther apart on flat ground
What are the six rules for reading a topographic map?
Terms in this set (6) Rule 1: Slope The closer the lines are, the steeper the slope Rule 2: Flow and Source of a River/Stream Rule 3: Mountains and Hills Rule 4: Highest possible elevation of a hill/mountain Rule 5: Depressions Rule 6: Lowest possible elevation of a depression
What are the 5 Rules of topographic maps?
Topographic Map Rules Contour Lines Never Cross Measuring Steepness Stream Flow Direction Contours Close Concentric Circles Elevation Between Lines
How do you read slope on a topographic map?
To find the slope of a feature, the horizontal distance (run) as well as the vertical distance (rise) between two points on a line parallel to the feature need to be determined The slope is obtained by dividing the rise over run Multiply this ratio by 100 to express slope as a percentage
What is Rule #2 when reading a topographic map?
Rule 1 – every point of a contour line has the same elevation Rule 2 – contour lines separate uphill from downhill Rule 3 – contour lines do not touch or cross each other except at a cliff
What do topographic maps show?
Topographic maps are a detailed record of a land area, giving geographic positions and elevations for both natural and man-made features They show the shape of the land the mountains, valleys, and plains by means of brown contour lines (lines of equal elevation above sea level)
How do you read contour plans?
Widely spaced contour lines indicate gentle slope Equally spaced contour lines indicate uniform slope Closed contour lines with higher elevation towards the centre indicate hills Closed contour lines with reducing levels towards the centre indicate pond or other depression
How do you read elevation contour lines?
You can figure out the elevation of any point by finding the nearest labeled line, counting the number of lines above or below it, multiplying by the contour interval, and adding or subtracting the result from the nearest marked contour line The more closely spaced the contour lines, the steeper the slope
How is a cliff shown on a topographic map?
Answer: Cliffs are represented by very close (or sometimes touching) contour lines Also note that if a feature such as a small cliff is shorter than the contour interval, then it may not show up on the map
How do you read a topographic map in earth science?
Several principles are important for reading a topographic map: Contour lines show the 3-dimensional shape of the land (Figure below) Concentric circles indicate a hill Hatched concentric circles indicate a depression, as seen in the Figure below V-shaped expanses of contour lines indicate stream valleys
How do you read contour lines on a topographic map?
How To Read Contour Lines Index lines are the thickest contour lines and are usually labeled with a number at one point along the line Intermediate lines are the thinner, more common, lines between the index lines Supplementary lines appear as dotted lines, indicating flatter terrain
What is a topographic map PDF?
A topographic map is printed on a flat piece of paper yet it provides a picture of the terrain and man- made features through the use of contour lines, colors and symbols Contour lines represent the shape and elevation of the land, such as ridges, valleys, and hills
What does the color green mean on a topographic map?
US Geological Survey (USGS) topo- graphic maps are printed using up to six colors (black, blue, green, red, brown, and purple) Black for cultural features, boundaries, and names Blue for water features Red for highway classifications, built-up areas, fence lines, and US Public Land Survey lines
How is topography measured?
How to Measure Topography Measure the heights and depths of the terrain A topographic map’s contour lines derive from regularly measured or extrapolated elevations Take measurements of rivers Classify the area’s soil and rock types
What do the colors on a topographic map represent?
The colors of the lines usually indicate similar classes of information: topographic contours (brown); lakes, streams, irrigation ditches, and other hydrographic features (blue); land grids and important roads (red); and other roads and trails, railroads, boundaries, and other cultural features (black)
How do you read elevation?
Read the number opposite the pointer That number is your true elevation If using an optical instrument, just read the number across the horizontal line That number is your true elevation
What are the rules of a topographic map?
Rules of Topographic Maps Contour lines always separate points of higher elevation (uphill) from lower elevation (downhill) Contour lines never cross or intersect Contour lines never split or divide Contour lines always close to form a shape, usually an irregular circle
What are the 5 Rules of contour lines?
Rule 1 – every point of a contour line has the same elevation Rule 2 – contour lines separate uphill from downhill Rule 3 – contour lines do not touch or cross each other except at a cliff Rule 4 – every 5th contour line is darker in color
What is a topographic map kid definition?
A topographical map is one that shows the physical features of the land Besides just showing landforms such as mountains and rivers, the map also shows the elevation changes of the land Elevation is shown using contour lines Every point on the map touching the line should be the same elevation
What do the numbers mean on a topographic map?
It is found in the top right hand corner of the map (Fig The next thing that you should notice on a topographical map are the numbers running all around the outside of the map These numbers represent two grid systems that can be used to find your exact location The first is called latitude and longitude
How do you explain topography?
Topography is a measurement of elevation, and slope is the percent change in that elevation over a certain distance Topography may be measured with lines that connect points representing the same elevation; these are called topographic contours
What is a contour line on a topographic map?
A topographic map illustrates the topography, or the shape of the land, at the surface of the Earth The topography is represented by contour lines, which are imaginary lines Every point on a particular contour line is at the same elevation These lines are generally relative to mean sea level