Aim: How can the shape of the land be represented on a flat map?

Learning
Target

MEETS

EXCEEDS

I can read
and interpret
topographic
maps.

●

Interpretes contour
lines on a topographic
map to accurately
locate areas of gentle
and steep slope.

●

Calculates gradient of
a slope using given
information from a
map.

●

Plots a correct profile
graph from a topographic
map.

●

Accurately determines the
direction of stream flow
based on the contour lines
of a topographic map.

​Your grade in MP3 will be based on demonstrating mastery of specific LEARNING TARGETS.

Contour Maps

■ Flat maps that represent areas with

elevation using contour lines.

Highest
elevation in the
middle of the
smallest circle

Contour Maps show the elevation of the land.

​Notice how the map on the left corresponds to the image of the land on the right.

​The contour lines show 3-dimensional land as a 2-dimensional image (flat).

Elevation of the Peak

The maximum possible
elevation for a hill is “1” less
than what the next contour
“should” be.

The highest possible
elevation of the hill is
just below the value
of the next line that is
not shown

90 is the next

line that is not

shown

50

60

70

80

90

Contour Interval (CI)

■ CI is the elevation difference between

contour lines.

50

75

100

125

What is the CI on
this map?

Gradient

■ Gradient=change in elevation/actual distance

■ Steep slopes will have a higher gradient

Closely Spaced Contours

■ Steeper Slope (Gradient) – contour lines are

closer together.

Calculate the Gradient

5km

2000m

500m

Answer

2000m- 500m = 1500m = 300m/km
5km

5km

​1st SUBTRACT the two elevation values from the contour lines

2nd DIVIDE by the distance between the points according to the scale

Rivers

■ Flow opposite the V, from high elevation

to lower elevation.

■ Out of the mouth

■ In which
direction does this
river flow?

N

10 Things to know about Contour Maps:

1.

Contour Interval means “what every line is worth”.

2.

The rule of the Contour V’s

Streams and rivers flow opposite to the point of the V that is
formed when a contour line crosses them.

3.

Close contour lines means that there is a steep slope.

4.

Contour lines that are far apart mean that the land is flatter
(gradual).

5.

Gradient means slope.

6.

Bulls eyes represent the peaks of hills or mountains.

7.

Hachured lines on bulls eyes mean depressions or holes.

8.

Each line represents a different elevation in feet or meters.

9.

Places on the same contour line are at the same elevation.

10.

A Profile is a side view or real representation of the topography
of an area.

0 1 2miles

Elevation is in
feet

Distance is in
miles

OCEAN (0ft)

Red River Map