CONTOUR LINES AND CROSS-SECTIONS

Fact File: Topographic Maps

A topographic map, also known as a contour map, shows the shape of the land using contour lines.

It shows elevation, meaning how high and low the ground is in relation to sea level.

Contour lines connect points that are of the same elevation.

They show the exact elevation, the shape of the land, and the steepness of the land.

Contour lines never touch or cross.

Fact File: Contour Lines

Activity 1: Topographic Map Example

1. Take a copy of the example map.

2. For each of the slides that follow, label an example on the map, and take any other notes you need.

3. Complete the sentences underneath the map.

The difference in elevation between 2 contour lines.

The interval is the same for all contour lines on the same map.

An index contour is a contour line that is accentuated in thickness and is labeled with the appropriate measure of elevation.

Index contours occur every fifth contour line.

Fact File: Contour Intervals

Closely spaced contour lines represent steep slopes.

Widely spaced contour lines represent gentle slopes.

Fact File: Contour Reading - Slope

Hills are represented on a topographic map by a series of concentric contour lines in a rough circle

Fact File: Contour Reading - Hills

Fact File: Contour Reading - Saddles

Fact File: Contour Reading - Cliffs

Hills are represented on a topographic map by a series of concentric contour lines in a rough circle

Fact File: Contour Reading - Hills

Fact File: Contour Reading - Saddles

Fact File: Contour Reading - Cliffs

Depression contours show areas of lower elevation.

Drawn like contour lines with marks on the inside.

Hachure marks- tick marks on inside of closed circle.

Fact File: Contour Reading - Depressions

Activity 2: Match the View

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Fact File: Drawing Cross-Sections

Activity 3: Drawing Your Own Topographic Map Part 11. Take one of the blank map grids.

2. Label the eastings and northings with numbers of your choice.

3. Draw in some contour lines. You must have at least TWO index contours. Remember the rules for contour lines. Write your contour interval underneath your map.

4. Add in any at least FOUR cultural features. Use standard topographic symbols (see your skills book if you aren’t sure what to add)

5. When you are finished, give your map to someone else.

Activity 3: Drawing Your Own Topographic Map Part 21. Take a blank piece of A4 paper. Glue your partner’s map at the top.

2. Draw a cross-section from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Put this under the map.

3. Describe the general relief of the land, based on the map and your cross-section. Use grid references to give examples.

4. Recommend the best use of this land, based on your description.

5. Recommend TWO things that should be built on the land, and put a grid reference for the best place to build them.