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Lesson 7 - Topographic Maps 🌎🗺

By William Pollard
Last updated about 4 years ago
30 Questions

Aim: How are topographic maps interpreted?


Today you will analyzing topographic maps to determine the contour interval, gradient, steepness of slope, elevation, and stream flow direction.

Map #1

What compass direction is Colden Creek flowing?

What is the highest possible elevation shown on the map?

If points Y and Z are separated by a distance of 5 miles, what is the gradient between them?

Map #2

What compass direction is Fish Creek flowing?

What is a possible elevation of point X?

If points C and D are separated by a distance of 2 miles, what is the gradient between them?

Describe on the map where the steepest slope can be found.

Map #3

What compass direction is Amethyst River flowing?

What is the elevation of Point A? Hint: Depression contour lines are the opposite of normal contour lines.

Which lettered point(s) could have an elevation of 15 meters?

What is the highest possible elevation on the island?

Map #4

What compass direction is Jones Creek flowing?

What is the elevation of point B?

What is the contour interval of this map?

If A and B are separated by a distance of 0.5 miles, what is the gradient between them?

Map #5

What compass direction is Auroro Creek flowing?

What is the highest possible elevation for Patriot Hill?

Describe how the elevation will change as you hike from point A to point B?

Map #6

What compass direction is Green River flowing? Give 2 pieces of evidence to support your answer.

What is the contour interval of this map?

Which lettered point has the highest elevation? What is that elevation?

What is the elevation of point A?

I have drawn a topographic map with errors. List 4 of the errors I have made.

Error 1

Error 2

Error 3

Error 4

The map shows elevations, measured in feet, of a number of points in a certain geographic region. Contour lines have been drawn from the 100-foot and 120-foot elevations. Points A and B represents two spot elevations on the map.


On the map provided, use the scribble feature to draw the 20 and 40-foot contour lines. Make sure that the contour line extends to the edges of the map if need be.

Calculate the gradient between points A and B. label them with the correct units.(you need scrap paper)

3. Toward what general compass direction does Elma Creek flow?

What are two lines of evidence that supports your direction of flow for Elma Creek?