Contour Lines & Topographic Maps World Geography Contour Lines & Topographic Maps

Contour Lines What are they? A contour line on a map is a line that joins points of equal elevation. For example, below is a map with a series of spot heights (in metres) that have been measured. Contour lines can be interpreted for this landscape based on the data given.

Contour Lines How they are used? When drawing in contour lines one must first know the designated contour interval which is the difference in elevation between two successive contour lines. Contour intervals vary from one map to another depending upon the landscape presented.

Contour Lines: An Example

Topographic Maps What is it? A detailed and accurate graphic representation of cultural and natural features on the ground

Topographic Maps What are they used for? Camping, canoeing, fishing, surveying, resource development Why? Because they represent the Earth’s features accurately and to scale on a two dimensional surface

Topographic Maps What do all the colours mean? Black: Cultural features Red: Paved roads, highway numbers, exit numbers Orange: Unpaved roads, unclassified roads Brown: Contour lines, contour elevations, spot elevations, sand and Eskers Blue: Water features Green: Wooded areas and vineyards Grey: Glossary Purple: used to show updated information

Topographic Maps What is a grid? A pattern of parallel lines intersecting at right angles forming squares or rectangles

Topographic Maps