1. Introduction to Topographic Maps

2. Topographic Maps
Two dimensional model of the Earth’s surface (represents 3-D world)
Topographic maps are also known as contour maps.
Show elevation above sea level using contour lines.

6. “Real World”
Contour Map

7. What is a Topographic Map?
In contrast to most maps, a topographic map shows the shape of the Earth’s surface,display elevation of the land surface by using contour lines.

8. Elevation

9. Who uses topographic maps?
the military
miners
police
farmers

10. When might someone
use a topographic
map?
building homes
plan a hiking trip
landscaping
road building

11. Topographic Maps Contour Line –
- line on a map that connects points of EQUAL elevation.
- show elevation and shape of the land
Relief – Difference between high and low elevations

13. Topographic Maps Contour Interval –
difference in elevation between each line. MUST be equal spacing.
Contour interval =
20 feet
580
560
540
520

14. Topographic Maps Index Contour –
Usually every 5th line is printed darker and has an elevation printed on it.

16. What if my contour lines are close together?
If the contour lines are close together, then that indicates that area has a steep slope.

17. Rules for Contours
Contour lines never cross

18. Rules for Contours
2. Contours form closed loops (even if not shown of the map.

19. Rules for Contours
3. Contours bend upstream (uphill) when crossing a stream.

21. Rules for Contours
The maximum possible elevation for a hill is “1” less than what the next contour “should” be.
The highest possible elevation of the hill is just below the value of  the next line that is not shown 90 80 70 60 50

22. 399
179
239

23. Closely Spaced Contours
Steeper Slope (Gradient) – contour lines are closer together.

25. Wide Spaced Contours
Gradual/Gentle Slope (Gradient) – contour lines are farther apart.

27. A B

28. Depressions
Contour lines which show a depression, crater, or sinkhole on a map.
Shown by dashed lines (hachure marks) on the inside of a contour line
The elevation of the first depression contour is the same as the lowest regular contour near it.

29. Rules for Contours
The lowest possible elevation for a depression is “1” more than what the next contour “should” be.
The lowest possible elevation of a depression is just above the value of  the next line that is not shown 90 90 51 80 70 60 50

30. 100
100 50

31. Benchmarks
a location whose exact elevation is known and is noted on a brass or aluminum plate.
bench marks are shown on maps by an X with the letters BM written next to them.

33. Using the map and chart below, construct a topographic map profile.

34. Please match the contour map on the left with the profile on the right.

35. Gradient The slope between any two points on a hill Gradient =
Change in Field Value
Distance

36. Gradient
A trail is four miles long as measured by the scale on a map. The beginning of the trail is at the 1,060 ft contour line and the end of the trail is at the 960 ft contour line. Calculate the gradient of the trail.
Gradient = =
1060 ft – 960 ft
4 miles
25.0 ft/mi

37. Gradient
Contour Interval = 20 ft
200 2 4 6 8 10
miles