1. Topographic Maps

2. Areas on this map appear to be mountainous, but the picture is two dimensional. The mountains and hills are shown using different amounts of shading.

3. A grid pattern can achieve the same goal; a 3D look to a two dimensional drawing.

4. Here we see contour lines representing different elevations. A few of the lines are labeled (index contours), This enables us to find the elevation of any line on the map. For example, line A is 1250 ft above sea level and line B has an elevation of 1400 ft. Line A Line B

5. Here the lines have been flattened. We can still “see” two hills represented by the concentric rings of contour lines; circles equal hills.

6. Looking at this topographic map we see two hills.

9. This is part of a topographic from Glacier National Park in Montana. Look at the area that goes from Lake Mc Donald to Howe Ridge.

10. As we go from point A to point B we are walking uphill; the contour lines increase in value. A B

12. If there are five spaces between the 4000ft index contour and the 4500ft index contour then each line represents a change in elevation of 100ft.

13. Notice the difference between the spacing of the contour lines between Porcupine Ridge and Valentine Creek. When the contour lines are close together the hill is steep. Compare the map on the next slide to the Google Earth image on the second slide.

15. Porcupine Ridge Valentine Creek