Topographic Map Notes
1. Contour lines connect points of equal elevation
2.The zero contour line is at sea level.
The zero contoe is at sea level
3. Contour interval--The difference in elevation between 2 consecutive
contour lines.
4. Index contours--Every 5th line may be darker and numbered rather than
every line numbered.
5. Features of a topographic map
A) steep slopes—closely spaced lines
B) gentle slopes—widely spaced lines
C) valley—u or v shaped lines
D) depression—hachure lines on a closed circle
E) mountain—circular contour lines getting smaller and smaller
6. Flat surfaces have smaller contour intervals (5 feet or 5 meters). a s
interval s)
•7. Mountains have a larger contour interval. (40 feet, 100 feet)
8. Contour lines
A) are endless
B) never branch or fork
C) never cross
D) form v’s that point upstream when they cross a stream
Connect points of equal elevation