Topographic Maps Review

Front

What is a topographic map?

Back

A topographic map is a detailed and accurate graphic representation of cultural and natural features on the ground, showing elevation changes through contour lines.

Front

What do contour lines represent on a topographic map?

Back

Contour lines represent areas of equal elevation on a topographic map, indicating the shape and steepness of the terrain.

Front

How can you determine the direction of a stream on a topographic map?

Back

Streams flow downhill, and on a topographic map, they flow perpendicular to contour lines, which point upstream.

Front

What is a contour interval?

Back

The contour interval is the vertical distance or difference in elevation between adjacent contour lines on a topographic map.

Front

How do you calculate the gradient between two points on a topographic map?

Back

Gradient is calculated by dividing the change in elevation by the horizontal distance between the two points, often expressed in units like ft/mi or m/km.

Front

What does a steep gradient indicate on a topographic map?

Back

A steep gradient indicates a rapid change in elevation over a short horizontal distance, represented by closely spaced contour lines.

Front

What does a gentle gradient indicate on a topographic map?

Back

A gentle gradient indicates a gradual change in elevation over a longer horizontal distance, represented by widely spaced contour lines.

Front

What is the significance of index contours on a topographic map?

Back

Index contours are thicker contour lines that are labeled with their elevation, helping to easily identify elevation changes.

Front

What is the purpose of a benchmark on a topographic map?

Back

A benchmark is a point of known elevation used as a reference for measuring elevation on a topographic map.

Front

How can you identify hills and valleys on a topographic map?

Back

Hills are represented by closed contour lines with higher elevations inside, while valleys are represented by V-shaped contour lines pointing upstream.