Contour lines on a topographic map represent points of equal elevation. Each line connects all the locations that are at the same height above sea level. By following contour lines, you can visualize the shape of the land and identify features such as hills, valleys, and plateaus.
You should use a topographic map to find the height of a place above sea level. These maps show the elevation contours of an area, allowing you to determine the elevation at any specific point.
Contour maps show the shape and elevation of the land by using contour lines to represent points of equal elevation. This allows viewers to visualize topography and understand the natural landscape of a given area.
Mountain climbers would find topographic maps most useful, as they provide detailed information about the elevation and contours of the terrain. Topographic maps also show features like cliffs, ridges, and valleys, which are essential for planning climbing routes and navigating challenging mountain environments.
The highest individual mountains are typically shown with contour lines that indicate elevation changes, with the peak often marked by a symbol called a triangulation station or summit marker. The mountain's name and elevation may also be labeled near the peak on the map.
Mountains look like little ridges or bumps on a map and you can also check the key for more help.
Index contours are typically marked by bold lines and indicate specific elevation levels on a topographic map. By observing the spacing between these index contours, you can determine if the land is increasing or decreasing in elevation; closely spaced contours indicate steep terrain, while widely spaced contours suggest a gentle slope. If the index contours are ascending in elevation as you move in a particular direction, the land is increasing in height; conversely, if they descend, the land is decreasing in elevation.
The difference in elevation between two successive index contours on a map with a contour interval of 5 meters is exactly 5 meters. Index contours are typically marked with heavier lines and are used to indicate elevation at specific intervals, in this case, every 5 meters. Therefore, each standard contour line between the index contours represents a change in elevation of 5 meters as well.
Index contours are thicker and usually labeled with their elevation. By identifying the index contours on a topographic map, you can determine if the land is increasing or decreasing in elevation. If the index contours are closer together, the land is steep, indicating a rapid change in elevation. Conversely, if the index contours are further apart, the land is gradually increasing or decreasing in elevation.
Intermediate contours refer to the contour lines on a topographic map that represent elevations between the index contours, which are typically marked with a heavier line and labeled with their elevation. These intermediate lines help to illustrate the terrain's shape and steepness, providing essential details about the landscape. They are usually spaced evenly between index contours, allowing for a more precise understanding of elevation changes in a given area.
They are called contours.
A topography map.
Contours show the elevation above sea level. The steeper the slope the closer the contour lines. Therefore, on a low elevation the contours will be far apart.
Each index contour has an elevation associated with it. When you look at 2 contours, one will have a higher corresponding elevation. As you go from the lower elevation to the higher elevation, you know that the land is increasing in the direction toward the higher elevation. From the higher to the lower elevation, the land is decreasing (sloping downward, decreasing in elevation).
a topographic map
Index contours on a topographic map can be identified by looking for thicker contour lines compared to the surrounding lines. They are typically labeled with their elevation value. Index contours are used to provide a quick reference to the elevation changes on the map.
Little change in elevation, or a low gradient
A contour line on a topographic map is typically labeled with the elevation in round units. This helps to indicate the elevation of the land and the change in elevation across the map.