Topography Lesson

Topographic Maps

8.9C Interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosional features and predict how these features may be reshaped by weathering.

Contour Interval

• The Contour Interval (CI) is the difference in elevation from one contour line to the next.

• Usually, every line isn't marked so you have to determine the CI yourself.

• Let's practice. What is the CI for this topographic map?

Multiple Choice

What is the contour interval on this map?

• 10

• 50

• 100

• 500

Multiple Choice

What is the contour interval (CI)?

• 100m

• 10m

• 25m

• 20m

Multiple Choice

What is the contour interval of this map?

• 10

• 20

• 30

• 40

Contour Lines

• Lines that connect equal points of elevation.

• Any POINT on that line will be the same elevation on that line.

• First, what is the contour interval?

• What is the elevation at point A?

• Point B?

Multiple Choice

What height in meters must the student climb in order to reach the top of the hill? *Remember, the student is STARTING at POINT X.

• 53 m

• 103 m

• 153 m

• 253 m

Multiple Choice

A topographic map of a region is provided. Which position indicated by the letters is at an elevation of 475 meters?

• W

• X

• Y

• Z

Multiple Choice

What is the difference in elevation between Point X and Point Y?

• 120 m
• 240 m
• 360 m
• 340 m

STEEP Slopes

With STEEP slopes, hard to climb, lines would be close together. The STEEP slope of this landform is on the East side.

Multiple Choice

Which side is steeper?

• The left side of the hill

• The right side of the hill

Multiple Choice

Which side of Holland Hill is the steepest?

• North
• South
• East 
• West

Multiple Choice

Match the topographic map to its profile.

GENTLE Slope

With GENTLE slopes, easy to climb, lines would be spread apart together. The GENTLE slope on this landform would be on the West side.

Multiple Choice

Which point, A or B, has a gentle slope?

• A, because lines are spread apart.

• B, because lines are close together.

• B, because it's higher elevation.

• A, because the land has a lower elevation compared to pt. B.

Multiple Choice

Which side of the landform has a gentle slope?

• East

• South

• West

Water

A v-shape or u-shaped pattern on a topographic map is used to show a river or stream. The point of the V or the U points to the source of water. Remember, Water flows from a HIGH point to a LOW point. GRAVITY!

Which direction does this RIVER flow?

Multiple Choice

In which direction is Mill River flowing?

• Southeast
• Southwest
• Northeast
• Northwest

Multiple Choice

Which direction is the stream flowing?

• northward
• southward
• westward
• eastward

Multiple Choice

The topographic map pictured here shows a river flowing in which direction?

• From north to south

• From south to north

• From east to west

• From west to east