What is a topographic map?
A topographic map is a detailed map that shows the shape of the land (relief), drainage, vegetation and human activity. The shape of the land is shown using contour lines.
Key idea
A contour line joins all points that are at the same height above sea level. The difference in height between two successive contour lines is called the contour interval.
Reading slopes from contours
The spacing of contour lines tells us the shape of a slope. Closely spaced contours show a steep slope, while widely spaced contours show a gentle slope. V-shaped contours whose point faces the higher ground mark a valley or river.
Example
If five contour lines are packed tightly on one side of a hill, that side is a steep slope that is hard to climb.
Symbols and colours
Colours and symbols make interpretation easier: blue for water (rivers, lakes, sea), green for vegetation or forest, and brown for contours and higher land. Special symbols stand for features such as schools, mosques, bridges and railway lines. A grid reference is read by stating the easting number first, then the northing number.
By combining contours, colours and symbols, we can identify landforms such as hills, valleys and slopes, and plan activities such as hiking, farming or road building. Topographic maps also help geographers understand the relationship between landforms and human settlement.
Remember
Close = steep, wide = gentle. Read the easting first, then the northing.