1. Reading a
Topographic Map

2. What are topographic maps used
for?

3. Topographic Maps:
• Show surface features of the Earth such as
mountains, valleys, craters, lakes, etc
• Show elevation (height above or below sea
level)

4. A picture of elevation:
Sea Level

5. How to Read a Topographic Map:
Contour Line:
• Connect points of equal
elevation
• Each line represents a
change in elevation

7. Contour Interval:
• The amount of elevation between 2 contour
lines.
Example:
If the contour
interval on this
map is 10 feet,
what is the
elevation of
“A”?

8. Relief:
The difference between the highest and lowest
point on the map.
What is the relief
on this map?
(Remember the
contour interval
is 10 feet)

9. Index Contour:
Darker, heavier lines – usually about every 5-
10 lines. These are often the only lines
labeled

10. Golden Rules of Reading
Topographic Maps:
1. Contour lines NEVER cross
2. All points on one contour line
represent one elevation
3. Closely spaced contour lines mean
steep slope
4. Contour lines that are far apart mean
gentle slop or flat land

12. 5. Contour lines that cross a valley or
stream are v-shaped
a.The v points to higher elevation
b.The v points upstream
Example:

13. 6. Contour lines form closed circles
around hills, mountains, and
depressions

14. 7. Depressions are marked with short
straight lines inside the circle
Example:

15. You Try It…
Draw a topographic map for a “pretend
landscape” that has a relief of 200 ft, 2
hills, 1 depression, a river, a city, and
some wooded areas. Use a contour
interval of 20 ft.