How to Read a Topographic Map and Delineate a Watershed This fact sheet is an excerpt from Appendix E of the Method for the Comparative Evaluation of Nontidal Wetlands in New Hampshire, 1991.Alan Ammann, PhD and Amanda Lindley Stone.

The map below is an enlargement of the map of the island used in a previous page (Contour lines). Topographic map diagram 1.

The closer together the contour lines appear on a topographic map, the steeper the slope (assuming constant contour intervals). In most cases, you will only need to use and label the heavy contour lines (every fifth line). Contour lines always run at right angles to the direction of the slope and, as stated, all points along each contour line are at the same elevation. This exercise begins your introduction to the "vertical control" of contour lines in, we hope, an entertaining way by using scanned parts of real topographic maps. Earth's Changing Surface: Practice reading topo maps, answer key included.Supports: NGSS Earth Science MS-ESS2-2 and MS-ESS3-2. Reading Elevations : A common use for a topographic map is to determine the elevation at a specified locality. 3) Label each mark with the elevation of the contour line it represents.

Note that hachure marks mean that the contour lines drop in elevation instead of rise. Water will always flow down hill so the elevation of the contour lines will decrease in the direction water is flowing. given contour line have the same elevation. Refer to the Rules of Contour Lines maps on the maps Basics page. The point of the 'V' points up stream.

Topographic mapshave a variety of uses, from planning the best route for a hike to determining a location for a school or an airport. Contour lines, sometimes called "level lines," join points of equal elevation.

In this activity, students are given a 2 topographic maps and are asked analysis questions related to contour intervals, elevation, slope, etc.We offer a more comprehensi Dark brown lines are called index contour lines and their elevation is written in dark brown somewhere along the contour line. 4) Prepare a piece of graph paper by labeling horizontal lines to correspond to the elevation of the heavy contour lines on your profile. This worksheet has 15 Earth Science Regents questions related to the analyzing topographic maps. The second way to tell is to look at the pattern of the contour lines.

Topics Addressed: Compass direction, Measuring with map scale, Contour interval, Elevations of contour lines, Possible elevations between contour li Each of the letters from A to F represent locations for which we wish to determine elevation.

This makes a great homework sheet or in-class review. They will help prepare you for completing the lab worksheet. First you can look at the elevation of the contour lines that cross the stream.

The interval between contour lines varies and this interval is noted underneath the scale on 7.5-minute maps.