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Aug 18, 2022 · Topographic Contours. Many maps of land areas have series of curved lines, called contours, that represent the topography of the area. Such a map is called a topographic map. A contour is a horizontal curve that’s the locus of all points on the map with the same elevation (Figure 3-35).
- Map Parts, Orientation, & Scale
- Using Contour Lines to Interpret Topographic Maps
- Drawing Contour Lines and Topographic Profiles
A map is a plan view (viewed from above, also known as map view) representation of an area on Earth’s surface. Topographic maps are maps that illustrate the topography (vertical shape, such as hills) of the mapped region. Geological mapsare maps that illustrate the rock types, rock ages and other geological features of the mapped area. Every map ha...
Contour linesallow us to add a vertical dimension to a plan view map. Contour lines represent elevations above sea level at specific intervals within a map area. Since each individual contour line connects points of equal elevation, if you were to follow a contour line across a map area in the real world you would be walking at the same elevation w...
Rules for Drawing Contour Lines
Constructing a topographic map is simple if you remember the following rules as you draw in contour lines on a map: 1. Contour lines represent lines connecting points of equal elevation above sea level. You can think of contour lines like fences separating lower elevations from higher elevations. 2. Contour intervals must be obeyed, therefore the contour line elevations can only be multiples of the contour interval. E.g., If the contour interval is 20 m, you can have contour lines at 20 m, 40...
Topographic Profiles
When working with topographic maps, sometimes it is useful to examine the landscape in profile. A topographic profileis a vertical cross-section or side image through a map that allows us to see how the topography varies along a line through the map. In Figure 6.11, the upper part shows a topographic map of a hill that contains two separate hill tops, and the bottom picture shows a topographic profile representing the profile along the line A-B on the map. Notice that the topographic profile...
- Karla Panchuk
- 2020
Topographic maps represent the Earth’s features accurately and to scale on a two-dimensional surface. Topographic maps are an excellent planning tool and guide and, at the same time, help make outdoor adventures enjoyable and safe. What is a topographic map? A topographic map is a detailed and accurate . illustration of man-made and natural ...
A topographic map is a type of map that adds a vertical dimension to an otherwise two-dimensional map defined by the north, south, east, and west compass directions. This third dimension on a topographic map is represented by contour lines , which represent a constant elevations above either sea level (either average sea level (a.s.l.) or mean sea level (m.s.l.)).
In modern mapping, a topographic map or topographic sheet is a type of map characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief features, usually using contour lines (connecting points of equal elevation), but historically using a variety of methods.
Mathematically, a contour line is a curve in two dimensions on which the value of a function f (x, y) is a constant. Contour Lines and Intervals. Contour lines connect all the points on a map that have the same elevation and therefore reveal the location of hills, mountains, and valleys.
A USGS topographic map is usually named for the most prominent feature within the bounds of the map, frequently a community. Most topographic maps are named for the most centrally located, well-known, and/or largest community labeled on the map.
