Mapping Surface Features
A topographic map is a map that shows the shape of surface features and their elevations. Elevation is the height of a landform above sea level. Contour lines connect points on a topographic map that have the same elevation. By studying contour lines, you can learn the shape and steepness of the land.
This topographic map shows Mount Rainier in Washington State. The numbers on the contour lines show elevation in feet. The space of the lines shows how steeply the land slopes.
A topographic map is a map that shows the shape of surface features and their elevations. Elevation is the height of a landform above sea level. Contour lines connect points on a topographic map that have the same elevation. By studying contour lines, you can learn the shape and steepness of the land.
This topographic map shows Mount Rainier in Washington State. The numbers on the contour lines show elevation in feet. The space of the lines shows how steeply the land slopes.