Topographic

Map
Topographic Maps Outline
- Definition

- Features

- Elements

- Contour lines

- Cross-section representation

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A topographic map
is a graphical representation of
the three dimensional shape of
the earth’s surface, characterized
by large-scale detail and
quantitative representation of
relief, usually using contour lines
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A Contour lines
A contour line is an imaginary line on the surface
of the earth connecting points of equal elevation.

Topography is the configuration of the land surface

and is shown by means of contour lines.

The contour interval (C.I.) is the difference in

elevation between any two adjacent contour lines.

every fifth contour line is an index contour.

Because it's impractical to mark the elevation of
every contour line on the map, the index contour
lines are the only ones labeled.
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Features of Topographic Maps
Relationship between 3D and 2D representation

3D view

2D view
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Contour lines Relationship between topographic
features and contour lines

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General Features of Contour Lines
- steep slopes are shown by closely spaced contour lines
- gentle slopes are shown by widely spaced contour lines
-contour lines do not intersect and not branch, except in a vertical or

overhanging cliff.
- when contour lines forms a 'V' shape that mean theare is streams with the
apex at the intersection with the stream, and pointing in an upstream
direction.
- closed contours that appears as ellipses or circles represent hills or knobs.
- closed contours with hatchures, short lines pointing toward the center of
the closure closed depressions. Contoso 7
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What's the difference between a topographic map and a
regular map?
Topographic maps allow you to see a three-
dimensional landscape on a two-dimensional
surface. These maps show the land's contours,
elevations, mountains, valleys, bodies of water,
vegetation and man made features such as
roads or buildings .

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TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE

A profile is appropriate when you are asked

to construct a cross-section.

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How do I construct a topographic profile?

To construct a topographic profile, you need to

find a line on a map that is interesting.
Draw a line between the letters A A´ on the
map.
How do I construct a topographic profile?

Fold the piece of paper on X axis.

Place the edge of the folded piece of paper
along the line and mark the starting and
ending points of the line that is the length of
your profile line
How do I construct a topographic profile?
Start at one end and move along the edge of the
paper, making a mark on the paper every time a
contour line touches the edge of the paper.
Make sure you label each mark with the right
elevation so that you can transfer that point to
the correct elevation on your profile.
How do I construct a topographic profile?

Take note of the highest and lowest elevation

on your map.
Label the y-axis (vertical lines) with elevations
making sure that your scale goes from
highest to lowest on your cross-section.
How do I construct a topographic profile?

we can transfer our elevations to the

appropriate place on the plot. For example,
the first elevation from left to right is 260 m
- on a vertical line, just above your tick
mark for 260 m, place a dot on the line that
represents 260 m.
How do I construct a topographic profile?

Finally, connect the dots with a smooth curve. .