Transcript Topographic Maps - Mrs. Coatsworth

Topographic Maps
Topographic map: a map that
shows surface features of the
Earth.
Elevation: height of an object
above sea level.
- elevation at sea level = 0
Topographic maps contain:
1. Contour lines
2. Contour intervals
3. Index contours
4. Relief
5. Legends
6. Scales
Contour line: lines that connect points of
equal elevation.
- shape of line = shape of land
- never cross
- lines that cross a valley or stream are
v-shaped
* V points in the direction it is
flowing
- form closed circles around tops of
hills, mountains, and depressions.
(Depressions have short lines that
point inward = hachure marks)
Contour interval: difference in
elevation between contour lines
Relief: difference in elevation
between the highest and the
lowest points on the map.
Index contour: darker, heavier
contour line that is usually every
fifth line
- used to make counting
easier
Legend:
major highways: red
buildings, roads: black
cities: pink
water: blue
forest (wooded): green
railroad:
trail:
bridge:
sand:
depression: