Topographic Maps (Topo

Maps) and Contour Lines

Definition
 Topographic maps provide a detailed representation of the natural
and man-made features of the earth's surface. The main
characteristic of such maps is the representation of the three-
dimensional terrain or relief of the surface of the earth by the use
of contour lines. Topographic maps are a form of contour maps
 Symbols and colors are used in topographic maps to identify
cultural and natural features. For example cultural features can be
roads, trails, buildings, boundaries, railways, power transmission
lines, pipeline, dams,, ... . Natural features may include water
(rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands and swamps, rapids), relief
(mountains, valleys, canyons, and other landforms,...), vegetation
(forested areas, cleared areas, orchards, ...).
Contour Lines - Isolines
 Contour lines in topographic maps (topographic contours) are
imaginary lines that connect points of equal elevation above a reference
level (usually mean sea level). Each contour line corresponds to a
specific elevation, therefore contour lines never cross each other (with
the exception of representing overhanging cliffs or caves). Looking at a
flat two-dimensional map with contour lines you can get a sense of the
shape of the three-dimensional land surface (topography) such as
mountains and valleys.
 A series of concentric closed contours (i.e. irregular circles) are used to
represent hills, mountain summits, , etc. Contour lines with wider
spacing represent gentle slope, while the closer spaced contours
indicate steeper terrain. Evenly spaced contours represent a uniform
slope
 Contour Interval

 The elevation difference between two adjacent contour lines is

called the contour interval (CI). Usually the contour interval is
noted on the map legend. In most topographic maps every 5th
contour line is drawn in bold print or wider than other contours.
Such lines are called index contour lines. They are usually labeled
with their corresponding elevations. Contour lines (thinner lines)
between index contours are called intermediate contour lines.
 we can interpolate (make an estimate by assuming the elevation
changes linearly) between the two known contours. In this case,
we can see that point "P" is about half-way between the two
contours and thus has an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet.
Using interpolation usually provides us with a sufficient
approximation, but we must always realize that it's only an
estimate.
 Topographic Profile
 Topographic profile is a two-dimensional cross sectional view
of the landscape. It provides a side view of the relief of the terrain
along a line drawn between two locations on a topographic map.
 In order to draw a topographic profile along a desired line on a
topo map, put the straight edge of a piece of paper between the
end points of the line. Mark with a tick mark on the edge of the
paper wherever the paper crosses a contour line. Label each tick
mark with the elevation of the corresponding contour line.
Therefore the x-axis corresponds to the horizontal distance of the
line on map. The y-axis represents the elevation of points along
the line. On the graph paper, plot the corresponding elevation
above each tick mark. By connecting the dots, the elevation
profile along the line of interest is drawn.