Topographic maps depict Earth's surface in three dimensions by showing elevation, distance, directions, and slope angles. Contour lines connect points of equal elevation, and the contour interval indicates the distance between adjacent lines. Latitude measures north-south position from the equator, while longitude measures east-west position from the prime meridian.

1. Representing Earth’s surface 1.3

2. Latitude The distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees.

3. Longitude The distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees.

4. Topographic Map A map that represents Earth’s surface in three dimensions; It shows elevation, distance, directions, and slope angles.

5. Contour Line Line on a topographic map that indicates elevation; Every point along a contour line has the same elevation.

6. Contour Interval On a topographic map, tells the distance in elevation between adjacent contour lines.

7. Key Concept What lines on a globe are used to indicate location? Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees. Longitude is the distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees.

8. Key Concept What problems do mapmakers face when making maps? No matter what kind of map is made, some portion of the surface will always look either too small, too big, or out of place. Mapmakers have found ways to limit the distortion of shape, size, distance, and direction.

9. Key Concept How do topographic maps differ from other maps? Topographic maps differ from other maps because topographic maps show elevation. Topographical maps show elevation of Earth’s surface by means of contour lines.