CE 203L Laboratory Manual

Fieldwork # 06 : Analytical Method of Plotting Contour Lines

FIELDWORK # 6
Title: ANALYTICAL METHOD OF PLOTTING CONTOUR LINES

Objective: To construct a contour map using analytical method. This is an individual activity.

Site: Lab 6

Instruments:
Triangles
Straight Edge
Metric Scale
Pencil and Eraser
Technical Pen
Tracing Paper
Cartolina
Scotch or Masking Tape
Electronic Calculator

Procedure:

1. This problem is an indoor lab exercise which highlights a type of office/drafting work required
in topographic mapping. The data taken from the previous fieldwork shall be used.

2. Prepare the needed data in matrix form. All elevations are in meters.
Sample Form.

POINT 1 2 3 4 5 6
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

3. Construct a contour map using a convenient scale with a contour interval of 1 cm. The
proportional contour lines must only be determined analytically.

4. The contour map should be drawn on a grid layout. All necessary map marginal information,
elevation of points, labeling of horizontal and vertical grid lines, etc. must likewise be
indicated.
CE 203L Laboratory Manual
Fieldwork # 06 : Analytical Method of Plotting Contour Lines

5. Use tracing paper with dimensions of at least 46 cm x 54 cm, and orient the paper such that
the surveyed area will fit proportionately.

6. Indicate the elevations of the index contours. The thickness of these index contours should
be drawn heavier than the intermediate contours.

7. The analytical interpolation of contour lines should be made on all the lines and selected
diagonals forming all the grid squares.

8. Use pencil for initial plotting and a technical pen with black ink for final plotting. The final
plotting will only be made upon approval of your lab instructor.

9. The actual plotting of contour lines will be done individually by each student only within lab 6
and should be completed within schedule.

10. A completed contour map is given in the

CE 203L Laboratory Manual
Fieldwork # 06 : Analytical Method of Plotting Contour Lines

FIELDWORK # 6
Title: ___________________________________

Name _________________________________ Yr & Sec ___________ Group No. __________

Date Performed: ______________ Time Started: _____________Time Finished: ____________

FORMULA :
de
h= (H)
DE
where : h = scaled horizontal distance on the map from A-1 to the contour line to be
located
de = difference in elevation between the contour line to be located and point A-1.
DE = difference in elevation between points A-1 and A-2 (m)
H = scaled horizontal distance on the map between points A-1 and A-2 (cm)

SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS :