Topographic maps
use contour lines to show different elevations on a map. A contour line is a type of isoline; in this case, a line of equal elevation.
How do you find the elevation of a contour line?
You can figure out the elevation of any point by
finding the nearest labeled line
, counting the number of lines above or below it, multiplying by the contour interval, and adding or subtracting the result from the nearest marked contour line. The more closely spaced the contour lines, the steeper the slope.
Which items are used to show elevation?
Contour lines
are used to show elevation on a topographic map. Lines or isolines on a map that connect points with the same elevation.
How do contour lines show elevation slope and relief?
What are contour lines? Contour lines connect a series of points of equal elevation and are used to illustrate relief on a map. They show the
height of ground above mean sea level
(MSL) either in metres or feet, and can be drawn at any desired interval.
What is the name of the contour line that gives a specific elevation?
Contour Lines –
Isolines
Each contour line corresponds to a specific elevation, therefore contour lines never cross each other (with the exception of representing overhanging cliffs or caves).
What is the distance between two contour lines called?
A contour interval
is the vertical distance or difference in elevation between contour lines. Index contours are bold or thicker lines that appear at every fifth contour line.
What are 3 types of contour lines?
Contour lines are of three different kinds. They are
the Index lines, Intermediate lines and the Supplementary lines
.
What 2 types of lines show elevation differences?
Contour lines
are used to show elevation on a topographic map. Lines or isolines on a map that connect points with the same elevation. What does each contour line on a map show? Each contour line shows a different elevation.
How do you explain topography?
Topography
describes the physical features of an area of land
. These features typically include natural formations such as mountains, rivers, lakes, and valleys. Manmade features such as roads, dams, and cities may also be included. Topography often records the various elevations of an area using a topographical map.
What are the symbols on a topographic map?
- Brown lines – contours (note that intervals vary)
- Black lines – roads, railroads, trails, and boundaries.
- Red lines – survey lines (township, range, and section lines)
- Blue areas – streams and solid is for larger bodies of water.
- Green areas – vegetation, typically trees or dense foliage.
What are the 5 Rules of contour lines?
Rule 1 – every point of a contour line has the same elevation. Rule 2 – contour lines separate uphill from downhill. Rule 3 – contour lines do not touch or cross each other except at a cliff. Rule 4 –
every 5th contour line is darker in color
.
What does a steep slope look like on a topographic map?
Closely-spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope, because the elevation changes quickly in a small area. Contour lines that seem to touch indicate a very steep rise, like
a cliff or canyon wall
.
What is the other name of contour lines?
| contours hachures | isoheights isohypses | isolines |
|---|
What is the difference between two consecutive contour lines is?
Contour Interval (abbreviated as C.I.)
= the difference between two consecutive contours.
Why do contour lines never cross?
Contour lines never cross on a topographic map
because each line represents the same elevation level of the land
.
