How is height shown on a map?

Maps are 2D so we have a few ways we can show the height of the land:
• Spot Heights
• Contour Lines
• Layer Shading

Spot heights measure the land above or below sea level in metres. You often find that the further inland you go, the
higher land becomes. Spot heights can be joined together by contour lines to show areas of the same height.

Contour lines are lines drawn on maps that join places of the same height. They are usually an orange or brown
colour. Some contour lines have their height above or below sea level written on them. It is possible to use them to
see the shape of the land - if contour lines are close together the slope is steep, if they are far apart the slope is
gentle.

Layer shading can be used to show visually the height of the land on a map. Often the same colours, green, yellow,
orange and brown are used. Green often show low/flat land below 100m whereas the brown shows high land above
300m. Sometimes you may even see the colour white to show highest points (mountain tops).

Complete the following tasks in your book in full sentences:

1. Define the terms spot heights, contour lines and layer shading.
2. What is benefit of using spot heights and contour lines together?
3. How can you see the shape of the land using contour lines?
4. Make a copy of the layer shading diagram to the left in your book (using the correct colours and key)
5. Why would a map of the UK use layer shading rather than spot heights and contour lines?
6. Using the maps on slide 2, describe the differences in the height of the UK’s landscape
Success Criteria for Q6
 Which country has the flattest and highest land? (Can you give figures?)
 What compass point direction has the highest land?
 Which compass point direction has the lowest land?
Topography Map
map of the showing
UK counties in
the UK