A Different Kind of Topography:A Different Kind of Topography:A Different Kind of Topography:A Different Kind of Topography:

Question of the DayQuestion of the DayQuestion of the DayQuestion of the Day

Question: What’s the difference between latitude and longitude?

Answer: … … …Turn In:

-Coastal Upwelling-Current Event Article, Summary, & Evaluation-CYU’s 1, 5, 6-Review Sheet (any 11 done so far)

Topographic Maps

Contour Mapping

Topographic maps, also called contour maps, topo maps, or topo quads, are maps that show topography, or land contours, by

means of contour lines.

Contour lines are curves that connect contiguous points of the same altitude.

Contour Lines

Mt. RiddleMt. Ginger

Mt. Tipster

Where the slopes are

steeper, the contour lines

are closer together!

Where the slopes are

gentler, the contours lines

are further apart!

How Steep is the Slope?

Contour Interval

difference in altitude between two adjacent contour lines

Helps determine differences in elevation between two points

Usually given at the bottom of the map.

consistent throughout a map (in most cases)

What is Relief?

Relief is the difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points in a region!

Rules of Contour Mapping

1. Every point on a given contour line

is of the exact same elevation; that is,

contour lines connect points of equal elevation.

2. Contour lines always close to form an irregular circle– sometimes part of a contour line extends beyond the

mapped area, so that you cannot see the entire line.

Rules of Contour Mapping

Rules of Contour Mapping

3. Contour lines never split.

4. Evenly-spaced contour lines represent a uniform slope. Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep

slope.

Cliffs or Sharps Drop Offs

(Where the slopes are steeper, the contourlines are closer together!)

6. Depression contours have

hachure marks on the downhill side and

represent a closed depression (hole).

5. A concentric series of closed contours

(like a target or bullseye) represents a

hill.

Hachure marks

Depression Contours

When Contour Lines Cross Rivers

7. Contour lines form a V pattern when crossing

rivers or streams.

The apex (point) of the V always points upstream

(uphill) and the river flows the opposite way

8. In cases where slope orientation changes (like on top of a hill or in a valley), contour lines of equal elevation will

be repeated.