What Are The 5 Rules Of A Topographic Map?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Contour Lines Never Cross. …
  • Measuring Steepness.
  • Stream Flow Direction.
  • Contours Close.
  • Concentric Circles.
  • Elevation Between Lines.

What are the six rules for reading a topographic map?

  • Rule 1: Slope. The closer the lines are, the steeper the slope. …
  • Rule 2: Flow and Source of a River/Stream. …
  • Rule 3: Mountains and Hills. …
  • Rule 4: Highest possible elevation of a hill/mountain. …
  • Rule 5: Depressions. …
  • Rule 6: Lowest possible elevation of a depression.

What are the rules of topographic map?


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 are 3 characteristics of topographic maps?

Topographic maps are a detailed record of a land area, giving geographic positions and elevations for both natural and man-made features. They show the shape of the

land the mountains, valleys, and plains

by means of brown contour lines (lines of equal elevation above sea level).

What are the five different types of topography?

  • Karst Topography. Karst topography describes the distinct landscape that is made when underlying rocks dissolve or change shape. …
  • Mountain Topography. Topographical maps show landforms such as hills and mountains. …
  • Vegetation, Elevation and Glaciers.

What are topographic symbols?

A topographic map shows more than contours. The map includes symbols that represent

such fea- tures as streets, buildings, streams, and vegetation

. These symbols are con- stantly refined to better relate to the features they represent, improve the appearance or readability of the map, or reduce production cost.

What is depression on a topographic map?

A closed contour,

inside of which the ground or geologic structure is at a lower elevation than that outside

, and distinguished on a map from other contour lines by hachures marked on the downslope or downdip side.

How do the lines indicate which side of the mountain is the steepest?


Contour lines that are close together

indicate a steep slope, where the elevation changes quickly over a short distance. If the contour lines are so close together that they seem to touch, they indicate a very steep slope, such as a cliff. In contrast, contour lines that are far apart indicate a gentle slope.

How do you draw a depression on a topographic map?

Contour lines that show a depression, crater, or sinkhole on a map are represented by dashed lines (hachure marks)

on the inside of a contour line

. The elevation of the first depression contour is the same as the nearest regular contour line.

What Cannot be shown on a topographic map?

A word of warning: topographic maps do

not show every contour line

, rather they choose sample of the lines. For example every 20, 50, 200 metres – depending on the scale of the map. This is called the contour interval of the map.

What are topographic features?

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 7 types of maps?

Some of the most common types are

political, physical, topographic, climate, economic, and thematic maps

.

What are the two main types of maps?

Cartographers make many different types of maps, which can be divided into two broad categories:

general reference maps and thematic maps

.

What are the 8 types of maps?

Millions of Unique Maps


Political maps, physical maps, road maps, topographic maps, time zone maps, geologic maps, and zip code maps

are all examples of reference maps. A variety of reference maps have been created for almost every country of the world.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.