HOW TO n° ____
Build a topographical section
It is possible to create the topographical section through the relief of an area using a
topographical map. Here is a step-by-step method to do so.
On the topographical map:
1. Draw the line AB you will work on.
2. Measure the line AB
3. Find the highest height above sea level
along the line AB.
4. Find the lowest height above sea level
along the line AB.
5. Find the contour interval of the map
The section
6. Draw the x-axis the same length as the line AB.
7. Draw a y-axis on each side
8. Calibrate the axises.
8.1. On the x-axis the calibration is the same as on the topographical map.
8.2. On the y-axis the calibration is ‘exaggerated’.
You go from [the lowest height along the line AB minus a contour interval] to [the highest
height along the line AB plus a contour interval]
IEJN – Social studies – T.Delporte/N.Masson/C.Provost
Use a draft sheet of paper
9. Put the draft paper along the line AB on
the topographical map. Write a bar and
the height each time the draft crosses a
contour line.
On the section
10. Place the draft paper on the
section. Make sure A is on the left yaxis and B is on the right y-axis.
11. Move your draft paper up or
down the axis to write the point on
the matching height line.
12. Match the points without a ruler.
13. Make sure your section has:
- a title
- a scale (+ exaggeration)
- units of measure
- the compass directions
IEJN – Social studies – T.Delporte/N.Masson/C.Provost
Exercises
IEJN – Social studies – T.Delporte/N.Masson/C.Provost