Table of Contents
What does it mean when lines are far apart on a topographic map?
Contour lines that are relatively close together indicate a slope that is fairly steep. Contour lines that are further apart indicates a slope that is relatively flat.
What is the topography like when the lines are far apart?
If contour lines are close together, it is a very steep slope; if they are far apart, it is a gradual slope.
When the lines in a topographic map are closer?
When contour lines are closer together on a map, they indicate a steep slope. Think of contour lines as the distance between each incline. The closer together the inclines, the steeper the hill. On the other hand, the farther apart lines tend to indicate a depression in the landscape.
What does Isoline far apart mean?
The distance between isolines shows the amount of the gradient. Very close together means a steep gradient, and far apart means a gradual gradient. This can be quite meaningful. In hurricanes, the isobars are very close together and so the air pressure gradient is said to be high, or steep.
What does it mean when lines are close together?
Contour lines that are close together represent a sharp slope or difference in elevation and “fairly steep.” Conversely, contour lines that are spread apart indicate a gradual slope that is “relatively flat.”
How are topographic maps calculated?
To find the slope of a feature, the horizontal distance (run) as well as the vertical distance (rise) between two points on a line parallel to the feature need to be determined. The slope is obtained by dividing the rise over run. Multiply this ratio by 100 to express slope as a percentage.
What are the curved lines on a topographic map called?
Contour lines are curved, straight or a mixture of both lines on a map describing the intersection of a real or hypothetical surface with one or more horizontal planes.
Is a topographic map an Isoline map?
We will look at gradient and profile using the example of contour maps, also called topographic maps, which are isoline maps showing surface elevation.
When the contour lines are closely spaced the slope will be?
Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope (Figure F-1). 2. Widely spaced contour lines indicate a gentle slope (Figure F-2).
When lines are far apart This means land is?
If the lines are far apart, that means that there is little or no slope in that area of the map. That means it’s a steep slope. If the lines are practically touching, that means it’s a very steep slope — maybe even vertical.
What are topographic maps used for?
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).
What is slope on a topographic map?
Slope Calculation from Contour Lines in a Topographic Map. Slope is the measure of steepness or the degree of inclination of a feature relative to the horizontal plane. Gradient, grade, incline and pitch are used interchangably with slope. The slope is obtained by dividing the rise over run.
What do the lines on a topographic map indicate?
Note: The intervals are increasing, therefore, the contours indicate a hill. The peak is normally considered to be located at half the interval distance. Widely separated contour lines indicate a gentle slope. Contour lines that are very close together indicate a steep slope.
How far apart should contour lines be on a map?
These lines are evenly spaced apart. We call this spacing the contour interval. For example, if your map uses a 10-foot contour interval, you will see contour lines for every 10 feet (3 meters) of elevation — lines at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and so on. Different maps use different intervals, depending on the topography.
What is the contour interval on a topographic map?
In order to keep things simple, topographic maps show lines for certain elevations only. These lines are evenly spaced apart. We call this spacing the contour interval. For example, if your map uses a 10-foot contour interval, you will see contour lines for every 10 feet (3 meters) of elevation — lines at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and so on.
What is a co-tour line on a topographic map?
Contour lines are the greatest distinguishing feature of a topographic map. Contour lines are lines drawn on a map connecting points of equal elevation, meaning if you physically followed a contour line, elevation would remain constant. Contour lines show elevation and the shape of the terrain.