Note: You must type or draw your answers in a color that is NOT black or red

LAB 1 – TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS

Name(s): Gilbert Puga, Izabela Sinor, Cody Lawrence

Topographic maps – general questions

1) What is a contour line?

A contour line that connects the points of the same elevation. Walking along the same line, means you
would not change elevation.

2) What is a contour interval?

The measure of vertical space (elevation) there is between the contour lines.

3) How does the scale of a map differ from the values of contour lines? (i.e., what is each
measuring?)

The map scale measures the horizontal distance in real life, relative to a chosen ratio, fraction, or bar
scale. The contour lines measure the elevation or height.

4) What do closely spaced contour lines indicate?

Closely spaced contour lines represent steeper slopes(gradients), whereas the wider spaced lines indicate
gentler slopes.

5) Why is it important to know the magnetic declination of a map?

The magnetic declination shows the difference in degrees between that of True North (North Pole) and
Magnetic North (which shifts around). To calibrate a compass to compensate for the difference, will
ensure that you are indeed facing True North so you can navigate more accurately.

Refer to the Mount Saint Helens map on the next page for the following questions

6) What is the elevation at point C? The elevation at point C is 7,500

7) What is the elevation at point D? The elevation at point D is 6,250

8) What is the elevation of the benchmark on the map? The Benchmark elevation is 8,563
9) Sketch the transect from the Mount Saint Helens map below. Assume each line represents a
contour interval.

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5,750

Topographic map of Mt. St. Helens

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10) Match up the following: write the letter of the correct topographic map to the
right of the cross-section.

A.

______

B.

______

C.

______

D.

______

E.

______

F.

______

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Use the map above to answer the following questions: It may be helpful to print this map

11) How many benchmarks are there on the map?  ____Two____

12) What elevation values do they mark? _____43 feet & 635 feet____

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13) What is the highest elevation indicated anywhere on the map and what is the lowest elevation
indicated anywhere on the map? (Look carefully.) __Highest = 635ft, Lowest = 0 ft Sea Level_____

14) What elevation does the highest contour line represent? __ 600 ft___

15) What is the elevation of the following points?

        a. point A = _200_ feet        b. point B = _500_ feet

What is the approximate elevation of the following points?

     a. point C = _390_ feet        b. point D = _150_feet

16) Explain why you can determine the exact elevation for points A and B but only approximate
elevations for points C and D.

Points A and B are located directly on contour lines with given elevations, but C and D are
not, so we must approximate given the nearby elevation.

17) What is the contour interval for this topographic map? __100 ft________________

18) Which stream flows into Atwater Pond? _Mad Brook__ which stream flows out? __Little
Brook___

19) How can you determine what direction the streams, from the question above, are flowing?

The V shape of the contour lines point towards the direction of the upstream flow, so the open
mouth of the V shape indicates the downstream, and downward trajectory of the stream flow.

20) Calculate the slope of the hill from point G to point E. NOTE: You must show your work.
Step 1: Use the contour lines to find the elevation difference between the two points.
Step 2: Use the map scale to measure the horizontal distance between the two points.
Step 3: Calculate the slope which is the change in elevation divided by the horizontal distance
between the two points.

G = 500ft, E = 100ft Distance from G to E = 0.4 miles (2,112 ft) = Run

500 – 100 = 400ft = Rise Rise/Run = 400ft divided by 2,112ft = 0.189
Slope = 0.189

21) Calculate the slope of the hill from point B to point F. NOTE: You must show your work.
B = 500 ft, F = 100ft Distance from B to F = 3 miles = 15,840 ft

500 - 100 = 400ft = Rise Rise/Run = 400ft divided by 15,840 = 0.025

Slope = 0.025

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22) Compare the slopes from the calculations you made above. Points G to E are on the north side of
the hill, why are the contour lines closer together on the north side of the hill while they are
further apart on the south side of the hill (Points B to F)?

The contour lines between G and E are closer together which indicate a steeper slope (0.189) than the
ones further apart between points B and F (0.025).

23) How long did it take you to complete this lab?

Approximately 4 hours including the lecture.