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ClassNotes_TopoMaps_Part1

The document provides an overview of topographic maps, focusing on contour lines that represent elevation changes on the Earth's surface. It outlines the rules for interpreting contour lines, including how to identify hills, depressions, and slope steepness, as well as instructions for constructing topographic profiles. Key concepts include contour intervals, the 'V' rule for streams, and the iterative process of drawing contours based on elevation data.

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chinchilllaearlops
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8 views

ClassNotes_TopoMaps_Part1

The document provides an overview of topographic maps, focusing on contour lines that represent elevation changes on the Earth's surface. It outlines the rules for interpreting contour lines, including how to identify hills, depressions, and slope steepness, as well as instructions for constructing topographic profiles. Key concepts include contour intervals, the 'V' rule for streams, and the iterative process of drawing contours based on elevation data.

Uploaded by

chinchilllaearlops
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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10/11/2023

Topographic Maps

Vulcans Throne Quadrangle


Contour Interval = 40 feet

Contour Lines on Topographic Maps


• Topographic maps depict the Earth’s surface using
contour lines.

• Contour lines show elevation above and below sea


level (sea level = 0 feet)

• Every 5th contour is an index contour and is darker in


color

Topographic Maps
Understanding contour lines / map interpretation
N

E
W

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Each map has its own specific contour interval


Contour Interval (CI) = the difference in elevation between two
adjacent contour lines

To calculate the CI, divide the difference in elevation of two adjacent


index contours by the number of divisions (usually 5) between the two
index contours

The contour interval is generally shown


on the map below the scale bars

Rules of Contours
1. Contour lines connect points of
equal elevation

2. Contour lines never intersect or


cross unless they are merged in
a vertical or overhanging cliff

3. Contour lines never split

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Rules of Contours
4. Closed contours represent hills.

Rules of Contours
5. Closed contours with hachures (short lines that are perpendicular to
the contour) represent depressions

Rules of Contours
6. Every contour line closes on itself. Either within or beyond the
limits of the map. If beyond the limits of the map, the contour
line will run to the edge of the map.

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10/11/2023

Rules of Contours
7. Contours “V” uphill when they cross a stream or valley.
“V’s” point in the upstream direction, streams flow downhill

Rules of Contours
8. Contours “V” in the uphill direction when they cross a stream or valley
Contours “V” in the downhill direction when they cross a ridge
The crest of a ridge or bottom of a valley runs through the middle of the “V”

Rules of Contours
9. Steeper slopes are
represented by closely
spaced contours.

Gentle slopes are


represented by more widely
spaced contours.

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10/11/2023

Contour map of Yosemite Valley

Map Scale

Feet

El Capitan, Yosemite Valley

Rules of Contours
10. Where the slope direction reverses, the contour is repeated
e.g., The highest contour on a ridge or the lowest contour in a
valley are always in pairs

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10/11/2023

When constructing a topo map from


elevation data:
• Use a pencil, this is an iterative process
• Locate the highest and lowest points
• Determine the contour interval
• Determine the flow of stream(s)
• Begin drawing contours as though you were
grouping data points into intervals

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51
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46

52
30
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21

Use a 25’ contour interval (25’, 50’, 75’, etc)

When constructing a topo map you


should remember:
• The rule of “V’s”
• Constantly cross-check between every two adjacent
points
• Use a pencil with a good eraser and have patience
• If you get stuck in a particular area it is best to work in a
different area and then work your way back to the
problem area
• If you have drawn two contours, for 90- and 100-foot
contours, the elevation data between these contours
must be:
Greater than 90’ and less than 100’ (91-99’)

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10/11/2023

Topographic Profiles
A topographic profile is a diagram that shows the configuration or
change in elevation of the land surface along a given line.
700

680
660

640
620

600
580

560
A B
Elevation Feet Above Sea Level

Steps for Constructing Topographic Profiles


(Steps 1, 2, and 3 pertain to creating a profile grid, which we usually furnish for you)

1) Determine the location of the profile on the map


2) Determine the highest and lowest elevation along
line
3) Construct the profile grid
4) Align grid with the profile line on the map
5) Transfer contour values from map to profile grid
6) Connect dots along the profile

4) Align the grid along the profile line on the


map

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10/11/2023

5) Transfer contour values from the map to


the grid and connect the dots

Final Profile
Stream

½ Contour Interval

Your final profile should look something like this


Remember:
• Extend the profile from point A to A’
• Label the Stream
• Note: the bottom of the depression & the river bed are ½ contour interval
below adjacent contours

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