Contour Lines On A Topographic Map

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Contour Lines On A Topographic Map

For example contours on an elevation have constant heights that are the same on each line. For a quick definition a contour line joins points of equal and constant values.

Basics Of Contour Lines In Topographical Maps

The thin brown lines snaking around a topographic map are called contour lines.

Contour lines on a topographic map

. All points along the same contour line are at the same elevation above sea level. Rise 2780 2500 280m. Contour interval is 20m five contour lines per 100m elevation difference. Contour lines also indicate the shape of the terrain.

Where contour lines are wide apart elevation is changing slowly indicating a gentle slope. Think of a contour line as a closed loop. Understanding maps on topographic maps contour lines represent land elevation above sea level. Co ntour li nes are the greatest distinguishing feature of a topographic map.

The vertical distance or rise is the elevation difference between point a and point b. Checking the topo map below point a is at 2500m. Essentially topographic maps represent the three dimensional landscape of earth within the two dimensional space of a map. By following a contour line on the ground you would travel neither uphill nor downhill eventually ending up back at your starting point.

Contour lines are brown in color and must always follow the rules outlined in the table below whether you are reading them or drawing them rules of contour lines 100 1. A map with contour lines on it is called a topographic map. Are these contour lines mountains or depressions. When you have a closed contour like the one below this means there is a hill mountain or depression.

Where they re close together they never intersect elevation is changing rapidly in short distance and the terrain is steep. A contour interval is the vertical distance or difference in elevation between contour lines. Contour lines connect points that share the same elevation. Contour lines are lines drawn on a map connecting points of equal elevation meaning if you physically followed a contour line elevation would remain constant.

Therefore elevation of point b is 2780m. Index contours are bold or thicker lines that appear at every fifth contour line. Topographic maps use a combination of colors shading and contour lines to represent changes in elevation and terrain shape. A contour line is a line drawn on a topographic map to indicate ground elevation or depression.

Contour lines show elevation and the shape of the terrain. Lines of equal elevation 3.

What Are Contour Lines How To Read A Topographical Map 101