What makes a topographic map different

Topographic maps use contour lines to show different elevations on a map. A contour line is a type of isoline; in this case, a line of equal elevation. If you walk along a contour line you will not go uphill or downhill. 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 connect all the points on a map that have the same elevation and therefore reveal the location of hills, mountains, and valleys.

While a road map shows where a road goes, a topographic map shows why. For example, the road bends in order to go around a hill or stops at the top of a mountain. On a contour map:. How would you calculate the contour interval on the map of Stowe, Vermont see Figure above? This map does not represent the landscape. The green line indicates the main road, black dotted lines are trails, and there are markers for campsites, a picnic area, and a shuttle bus stop.

With contour lines to indicate elevation, the topographic map in Figure below shows the terrain. How does the map of Bryce Canyon reveal the terrain of the region? Several principles are important for reading a topographic map:. Contour lines show the 3-dimensional shape of the land Figure below. What does the spacing of contour lines indicate? Just to the right of the city of Stowe is a steep hill with a sharp rise of about ft that becomes less steep toward the right.

Concentric circles indicate a hill. When contour lines form closed loops all together in the same area, this is a hill. The smallest loops are the higher elevations and the larger loops are downhill. On the Stowe map, which hill has an elevation of feet? If you found Cady Hill, on the left side of the map, you are right. Specific colours are given to features and shading is used to indicate the different kinds of landscapes found in the map area.

The colour brown is used to indicate contour lines, green is used to show vegetation, blue is used to indicate water features such as lakes or rivers and black and red are used for man-made features such as roads or administrative boundaries. The map legend allows you to unlock the topographic map as it provides you with all the information you require when trying to decipher the meaning behind all the symbols and colours found on your map.

Figuring out what your map symbols mean, allows you to better understand your surroundings when using a topographic map. Most people encounter topographic maps in their recreational lives, when planning a trip into the wilderness or back-country as well as navigating their way around wilderness areas.

December 14, 3 min read. December 09, 5 min read. What Are Longitude And Latitude? In a nutshell? They are the joint axis on any map that, when combined, will provide the exact coordinates of anywhere in the world.

Also in Geo Candy. A GIS portfolio is basically a compilation of materials that documents your work, skill and experience. A personal website that documents your professional journey. Topographic maps show elevation of landforms above sea level. Bathymetric maps show depths of landforms below sea level. Topographic elevations and bathymetric depths are often shown on maps with contour lines.

A contour line represents a corresponding imaginary line on the surface of the land or bottom of the ocean that has the same elevation or depth along its entire length.