What are the lines on a topographic map? A topographic map illustrates the topography, or the shape of the land, at the surface of the Earth. The topography is represented by contour lines, which are
What are the lines on a topographic map?
A topographic map illustrates the topography, or the shape of the land, at the surface of the Earth. The topography is represented by contour lines, which are imaginary lines. Every point on a particular contour line is at the same elevation. These lines are generally relative to mean sea level.
What are three things put on a topographic map?
Topographic maps are a detailed record of a land area, giving geographic positions and elevations for both natural and man-made features. They show the shape of the land the mountains, valleys, and plains by means of brown contour lines (lines of equal elevation above sea level).
How do you read topographic lines?
How To Read Contour Lines
- Index lines are the thickest contour lines and are usually labeled with a number at one point along the line.
- Intermediate lines are the thinner, more common, lines between the index lines.
- Supplementary lines appear as dotted lines, indicating flatter terrain.
What are topographic symbols?
A topographic map shows more than contours. The map includes symbols that represent such fea- tures as streets, buildings, streams, and vegetation. These symbols are con- stantly refined to better relate to the features they represent, improve the appearance or readability of the map, or reduce production cost.
How are contour lines used on a topographic map?
Contour lines are the most common method of showing relief and elevation on a standard topographic map, and they give a sense of slope. A contour line represents an imaginary line on the ground, above or below sea level. All points on the contour line are at the same elevation.
Which is a characteristic of a topographic map?
The distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is the use of elevation contour lines to show the shape of the Earth’s surface. Elevation contours are imaginary lines connecting points having the same elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface, which is usually mean sea level.
How to prepare a vertical scale for a topographic map?
Prepare a vertical scale on profile paper by labeling the horizontal lines corresponding to the elevation of each index contour line. e. Place the paper with the labeled contour lines at the bottom of the profile paper and project each contour to the horizontal line of the same elevation.
What do the Blue Lines on a topographical map mean?
Rivers, of course, are represented by blue lines that will run through the center of the V-shape. Sometimes called draws, the V-shape of this feature always points towards their peak. You can also use a topographic map to determine the direction the river is flowing.