1. Topographic Maps Created by T. Bates Hugo A. Owens Middle School
Adapted and edited by B. Ferri

2. Lesson Objectives Define a topographic map and state its uses.
Describe how contour lines show the elevations, shape, and slope of the land.
Identify the meanings of some symbols and colors used on topographic maps.

3. What is a topographic map?
A topographic map, also known as a contour map, is a map that shows the shape of the land using contour lines.
It is a map that shows an elevation field, meaning how high and low the ground is in relation to sea level.

4. Contour Maps show the elevation of the land.

5. What are contour lines?
Contour lines are lines that connect points that are of the same elevation.
They show the exact elevation, the shape of the land, and the steepness of the land’s slope.
Contour lines never touch or cross.

7. What is a benchmark?
A benchmark is a point where exact elevation is known and is marked with a brass or aluminum plate. It is marked BM on the map with the elevation numbers given in feet.
Benchmarks are useful to help determine contour lines.

8. Other Topographic Terms
Map scale – compares distances on the map with distances on Earth.
Legend – explains symbols used on the map.
Index contours – contour lines that are labeled to help you find the contour interval.

9. What is a contour interval?
A contour interval is the difference in elevation between two contour lines that are side by side.
580
560
540
Contour interval =
20 feet
520
Remember that a
contour interval is
not the distance between the two lines
to get the distance you need to use the map scale.

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

12. What if my contour lines are far apart?
If the contour lines are far apart, then that indicates the land has a gentle slope (low slope).

13. What do the dark colored contour lines mean?
The dark colored contour lines represent every fifth contour line to make it easier to read the map.

14. What do depressions in the map look like?
A depression, such as the inside of a dead volcano, is represented by hachure lines.
Hachure lines are regular contour lines with small segments sticking out from it.
The first hachure line is at the same elevation as the contour line before it.

15. More on Contour Lines
Contour lines form V’s that point upstream when they cross a stream.
It is important to remember that they point in the opposite direction as the flow of water.

16. What do the colors on the topographic map represent?
Blue lines/shapes - represent water features, such as streams and lakes.
Brown – contour lines
Black – Roads, buildings, railroads, other man made objects.
Green – Woodland areas
Red - Highways

17. Now that I know what a topographic map is, how do I read it?
First determine the contour interval (the distance between each contour line)
Then determine the map scale (usually at the bottom of the map)
Identify any hills or depressions
Use the legend to identify man made features.

18. Reading a topographic map cont.
Look for areas where the contour lines are close together – they indicate a steep area.
Look for areas where the contour lines are spread apart – they indicate a gentle slope.

20. Contour Interval means “what every line is worth”.
The rule of the Contour V’s
Streams and rivers flow opposite to the point of the V that is
formed when a contour line crosses them.
Close contour lines means that there is a steep slope.
Contour lines that are far apart mean that the land is flatter.
The Gradient Formula is used to calculate the slope.
Gradient means slope.
Bulls eyes represent hills or mountains.
Hachured lines on bulls eyes mean depressions or valleys.
Each line represents a different elevation in feet or meters.
Places on the same contour line are at the same elevation.
A Profile is a side view or real representation of the topography
of an area.

21. Review Questions How are contour lines drawn on maps?
How does a contour map show whether a slope is gentle or steep?
What is a benchmark?
How is a benchmark shown on a map?
How is distance measured on a contour map?