​The shape and size of the land features on Earth's surface.

​​Topography

​This type of map shows the shape of Earth's surface with lines that represent different elevations.

​topograaphic map

​A line that connects points of equal elevation.

​​contour line

​Topographic Maps

​The difference between the highest and lowest elevations in a particular area.

relief

​The difference between two contour lines.​

​​contour interval

​

​Every fifth line is an idex contour, a thicker contour line that often has an elevation label.

index contour

​Land Lines

​Shows the relationship between the sizes and distances shown on the map and the actual measurements on Earth's surface.

​​scale

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​Measures steepness from one point to another.

​​slope

​How can you measure Earth's surface using a topographic map?