Questions and Answers
What is a topographic map?
What does a topographic map show?
Natural features such as rivers and lakes, as well as man-made features like bridges and elevation.
What is elevation?
The height of an object above the surface of the sea.
What is the elevation at sea level?
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How can a flat map show elevations?
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What are contour lines?
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What does each contour line on a map show?
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Which of the following is true about contour lines?
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What type of slope do contour lines that are close together indicate?
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What type of slope do contour lines that are far apart indicate?
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What shape do contour lines take when crossing a valley or stream?
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How are the tops of hills or mountains shown on a topographic map?
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How are depressions marked on a topographic map?
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Why can two contour lines never cross?
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What is a contour interval?
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What is the contour interval on a map based on?
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What is relief?
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What type of relief do mountains have?
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What type of relief do plains have?
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What is an index contour?
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Which lines are considered index contour lines?
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If a map has index contours at 250m, 500m, and 750m, what is the contour interval?
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Why are colors and symbols used on topographic maps?
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What color shows buildings, bridges, and railroads?
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What color shows contour lines?
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What color shows major roads?
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What color shows bodies of water?
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What color shows wooded areas?
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What color shows cities?
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What is the relationship between the relief of an area and the contour interval on a map?
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Features shown on topographic maps include:
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The highest point on a topographic map is marked as 345m. What is the relief of the area if the lowest contour line is at 200m?
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How is the top of a mountain shown on a topographic map?
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Study Notes
Topographic Maps Overview
- Topographic maps illustrate Earth's surface features, including natural elements like rivers and lakes, and human-made structures such as bridges.
- Elevation is a key aspect of topographic maps, representing the height above sea level.
Understanding Elevation
- Sea level elevation is defined as zero meters.
- Contour lines represent elevation on flat maps, connecting points of equal height.
Contour Lines
- Each contour line indicates a specific elevation; lines do not cross as this would imply contradictory elevation points.
- Contour line spacing varies based on terrain slope - close lines indicate a steep slope, while distant lines represent a gentle slope.
Valley and Hill Representation
- Contour lines crossing valleys or streams form a "V" shape, pointing towards higher elevation.
- Tops of hills, mountains, or depressions are represented by closed circles; depressions have short lines pointing inward.
Contour Interval and Relief
- Contour interval refers to the elevation difference between adjacent lines, impacting the map's readability.
- Relief measures the elevation difference between the highest and lowest points; mountains typically exhibit high relief, while plains show low relief.
Index Contours
- Index contours are prominent, labeled lines, often every fifth contour line, aiding in navigation and map reading.
- A contour interval can be calculated from index contours; for instance, if contours are at 250m, 500m, and 750m, the contour interval is 50m.
Color Coding on Topographic Maps
- Colors play a vital role in conveying information:
- Black: buildings, bridges, railroads
- Brown: contour lines
- Red: major roads
- Blue: bodies of water
- Green: wooded areas
- Gray or red: cities
Mapping Features
- Topographic maps display various natural and human features, including mountains, hills, depressions, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and cliffs.
Practical Applications
- Relief and contour intervals correlate; areas with high relief require larger contour intervals for clarity.
- For instance, if a map shows a highest point of 345m and a lowest of 200m, the relief is calculated as 145m.
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Description
This quiz explores the essential elements of topographic maps, focusing on how to interpret elevation, contour lines, and the representation of valleys and hills. Understand the significance of contour line spacing and how it relates to slope. Test your knowledge of these vital geographical features.