Questions and Answers
Mapmakers use contour lines to represent what three things on topographic maps?
What is a contour line on a topographic map?
A contour line connects points of equal elevation.
What is the change in elevation from contour line to contour line called?
Contour interval.
What are index contours?
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Many topographic maps are at what scale?
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What do you need to know to read a topographic map?
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What do V shaped contour lines pointing uphill represent?
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What do V shaped contour lines pointing downhill represent?
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What do closely shaped contour lines represent?
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What do widely shaped contour lines represent?
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What does a contour line that forms a closed loop with no other contour lines inside it represent?
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How do you determine the contour interval on a topographic map?
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What is a topographic map?
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Study Notes
Topographic Maps Overview
- Topographic maps depict the Earth's surface using contour lines to illustrate elevation, relief, and slope.
- A topographic map is specifically designed to show detailed surface features of an area.
Contour Lines
- Contour lines connect points of equal elevation on a map, forming a visual representation of the terrain.
- These lines help in understanding the steepness or gentleness of slopes.
Contour Interval
- The contour interval is the vertical distance or change in elevation between successive contour lines.
- Index contours appear every fifth line, marked darker and include specific elevation values, such as 1,600 or 2,000 feet.
Map Scale
- Common scale for topographic maps is 1:24,000, meaning 1 cm on the map equals 0.24 km in reality.
- Knowledge of scale, map symbols, and contour intervals is necessary for effective reading of a topographic map.
Interpreting Contour Patterns
- V-shaped contour lines pointing uphill represent valleys, indicating low points in the terrain.
- Conversely, V-shaped lines pointing downhill signify ridges, indicating higher ground.
- Closely spaced contour lines indicate steep slopes, whereas widely spaced lines show gentle slopes or flatter areas.
Closed Loop Contour Lines
- A contour line that forms a closed loop without any other lines inside signifies a hilltop, marking the highest point in that region.
Determining Contour Intervals
- To find the contour interval, calculate the difference in elevation between two dark index contour lines and divide by the number of contour intervals between them.
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Description
Test your knowledge of topographic maps with these flashcards. Learn key concepts such as contour lines, elevation, relief, and slope. Perfect for geography students looking to reinforce their understanding of map reading skills.
