Contour Maps AKA Topographic Maps. Contour Map: (topograpic map) shows elevation of various points on the Earth’s surface.

Contour Maps

AKA Topographic Maps

Contour Map: (topograpic map)

shows elevation of various points on

the Earth’s surface.

•Maps show physical features of land, such as cliffs, valleys, hills, and depressions.

•Contour Lines: lines that connect points of equal elevation above sea level.

Are BOLDED Lines—they show the numerical values of the lines. All other lines are unlabeled.

Contour Interval: Difference in elevation between two contour lines

What is the contour interval of this map?

Points on contour lines

Points between contour lines

•Depression: hole or crater on the Earth’s surface, shown on a contour map by Hachured Lines

•• The first hachured line has the same elevation of the lowest contour lines between which it was found.

Highest possible points

This location is between 220 and 240

So the highest possible elevation at this point would be 239 m

Contour lines crossing a river

Contour lines bend upstream when crossing a river

Time to Practice!

Topographic Profiles

•Profile: Shows the Hills and Valleys (ups and downs) on a line across any part of a contour map.

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How to recognize a profile

How to Draw a Topographic Profile

Notice how the line curves above the 40 mark, but below the 50

If the graph isn’t directly below the map…..

Time to make your profi les!