Akshara Topographic Maps Study Guide

What is a topographic map?

A map showing the shape (relief) and elevation of the land, including natural and manmade features (hills, valleys, roads, water, etc.).

What are contour lines?

Lines that connect points of equal elevation; they show land shape and elevation and never cross.

How do you identify a steep slope vs. a gentle slope?

Steep slope: contour lines are very close together.

Gentle slope: contour lines are spaced farther apart.

What is an index contour line?

A darker, thicker contour line labeled with its elevation, occurring every fifth line.

What is a contour interval?

The vertical elevation difference between successive contour lines.

How do you calculate the contour interval from two index lines?

Subtract the lower index elevation from the higher one, then divide by the number of intervals between them (usually 5).

What does elevation mean on a topo map?

The height above sea level of a point, indicated by its contour line.

How is a depression (hole/crater) shown on a topo map?

By contour lines with small inward-pointing hachure (tick) marks on the lower-elevation side.

Why don’t contour lines ever cross?

Because each line represents a single elevation—crossing would imply one point has two elevations.

How can you spot a cliff on a topographic map?

By nearly overlapping contour lines in a straight or slightly curved pattern, indicating a sudden elevation drop.