Decoding Topographic Maps

What makes topographic maps different from average maps?

• They are always in color.

• They do not show elevation.

• They help visualize three-dimensional terrain.

• They only show roads and trails.

What do closely packed contour lines indicate?

• Flat terrain

• Steep terrain

• A river

• A valley

What is the term for every fifth contour line that is thicker than the others?

• Elevation line

• Scale line

• Index line

• Contour interval

If a map has an 80ft contour interval, what does it mean?

• The map is 80 inches wide.

• The map covers 80 square feet.

• Each contour line is 80 vertical feet apart.

• Each contour line is 80 horizontal feet apart.

What does a map scale of 1 to 12,000 mean?

• 1 mile on the map represents 12,000 miles in reality.

• 1 foot on the map represents 12,000 feet in reality.

• 1 centimeter on the map represents 12,000 centimeters in reality.

• 1 inch on the map represents 12,000 inches in reality.

What is the purpose of the small representative scale near the map's legend?

• To show the map's color scheme

• To indicate the map's contour interval

• To show the map's revision date

• To help calculate distances

What does the legend on a map provide?

• Definitions of lines, colors, and symbols

• The map's author

• The map's title

• The map's scale

What does a darker color on a topographic map indicate?

• Higher elevation

• Urban areas

• Water bodies

• Denser vegetation

Where can you find the magnetic declination for the region on a map?

• In the map's title

• In the legend

• At the bottom of the map

• Near the scale

What is the next step after understanding lines, scale, symbols, and colors on a map?

• Learning to use a GPS

• Learning to use a compass with the map

• Learning to read weather patterns

• Learning to draw maps