What is a topographic map?
A topographic map is a detailed map that shows both the physical features (hills, valleys, rivers, coastlines) and the human features (roads, towns, farms, buildings) of an area. It shows the shape and height of the land as well as what people have built on it.
Contour lines and relief
The height of the land, called relief, is shown by contour lines. A contour is a line that joins all points of the same height above sea level. The difference in height between two neighbouring contours is the contour interval.
- Close contours mean a steep slope.
- Wide-apart contours mean a gentle slope.
- Circles that get smaller as they rise show a hill or peak.
Key idea
A contour joins points of EQUAL height. The closer the contour lines, the steeper the land; the further apart, the gentler the slope.
Symbols and colours
Because a map is small, features are shown using standard symbols and colours instead of words. A legend (key) explains what each symbol means.
| Colour | Feature |
| Blue | Water — rivers, lakes, sea |
| Green | Vegetation — forest, farmland |
| Brown | Contour lines and relief |
| Black / red | Roads, buildings, boundaries |
Example
A row of brown contours numbered 100, 200, 300 that are packed tightly together tells you a steep hillside rises quickly over a short ground distance.
Remember
- Always read the legend before using the map.
- Contour interval = height gap between two lines.
- Grid references locate exact places on the map.