Advanced Map Skills
Topographic maps, contour lines
Topographic Maps
Topographic maps show the shape of the land using contour lines — lines joining points of equal height. Lines close together mean steep slopes; far apart means gentle slopes. These maps also show rivers, roads and buildings.
Example
Reading Contour Lines
Contour interval: the height difference between lines (e.g., 20 m)
• Lines close together = steep cliff or hill
• Lines far apart = flat or gentle slope
• Closed circles = hilltop
• V-shapes pointing uphill = valley/river
Note
Remember
On topographic maps in SA, the contour interval is often 20 metres. Blue = water. Brown = contour lines. Black = man-made features. Green = vegetation. Always check the scale and key.
Key Vocabulary
Topographic mapA map showing the shape and features of the land
Contour lineA line joining points of equal height above sea level
Contour intervalThe height difference between consecutive contour lines
Sea levelThe average height of the ocean surface (0 metres)
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Topographic map
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