How to Make a Topographic Profile
300
400
200
100
This represents a very simple topographic map of a hill. The hill is steep on the left side (the
contour lines are very close together) and has a gentle slope on the right side. The numbers
represent the elevation of the contour lines. (*)
What would the hill look like if you were to slice it from left to right? (*)
How to Make a Topographic Profile
300
400
200
100
Again, think of the cardboard analogy. Every layer of cardboard would represent 100 feet
of elevation (the same as a contour line). You would have 4 layers of cardboard. Viewed
from the side it would look like this (*)
500 feet
400 feet
300 feet
200 feet
100 feet
Thus,
a somewhat
blocky profile
the hill To
looks
like. (*)the size, draw lines
Each you
layerhave
of the
hill has a different
piece of
of what
cardboard.
determine
from the hill down to the appropriate layer of cardboard. (*)
How to Make a Topographic Profile
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500 feet
400 feet
300 feet
200 feet
100 feet
Thus
you have
a topographic
This
is what
hill would look
likea ifline
you
cut itthese
Normally,
the Earth’s
surface profile.
is not this
blocky.
In the
a topographic
profile
is were
drawntofrom
along
and look
at it from
the side. (*)
(*)
pointsthe
(redprofile
dots) line
producing
a smooth
transition.
Now it’s your turn. (*)
A
This is the profile line – from A to B. Where this black line crosses the
INDEX CONTOURS (you do not have to do every contour line) draw a line
down to the appropriate contour elevation (layers) below. (*)
B
The contour interval of this map is 40 feet. Every index contour would then be 200 feet.
8000
7800
7600
7400
7200
7000
6800
6600
6400
Find this page in your Topo Worksheet Packet
A
B
The contour interval of this map is 40 feet. Every index contour would then be 200 feet.
8000
7800
7600
7400
7200
7000
6800
6600
6400
In this region the profile
line cut across the 7800
foot line 4 times. (*)
The profile is finished. (*)
The last step is to simply connect the “dots”. (*)
A
B
The contour interval of this map is 40 feet. Every index contour would then be 200 feet.
8000
7800
7600
7400
7200
7000
6800
6600
6400
This is a very classic example of a butte with steep sides and a very flat top. The profile that you
see here is an exaggerated scale – the vertical scale is greater than the horizontal scale. The next
example is where the vertical scale is closer to the horizontal scale. (*)
A
B
In this example the butte is still the same horizontal distance, but the vertical scale has been
compressed.
If the vertical
scale was bigger
would
produce
exaggeration.
(*) you will be
These
are just different
representations
of theitsame
butte.
On more
the test,
the profile that
asked to draw will be simpler than this one. (*)
THE GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA
This view of the Grand Canyon is from the South Rim looking north into Bright Angel Canyon.
This is what it looks like on a topographic map. (*)
It may not be as majestic but it is
full of information. (*)
THE GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA
This view of the Grand Canyon is from the South Rim looking north into Bright Angel Canyon.
This is what it looks like on a topographic map. (*)
Based on the slope information
provided
by the brown contour lines, the tributaries flow
Cumberland,
Pennsylvania/Maryland
down fairly steep slopes (the contour lines are close together) making them YOUTHFUL
streams. The main stream occupies a valley that has very few contour lines. In fact the wide
spacing of these contour lines represents a floodplain – placing this river in the MATURE
stage. (*)
A
B
Just for fun, let’s construct a topographic profile across
the main stream from point A to point B. (*)
Try to visualize what this
profile would look like
before you move on. (*)
Cumberland,
Pennsylvania/Maryland
Using every
INDEX CONTOUR
– 100 foot interval … (*)
A
B
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900
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700
600
Print this page if you want to draw the profile. The next slide goes through the process.
READY ? (*)
Cumberland,
Pennsylvania/Maryland
Using every
INDEX CONTOUR
– 100 foot interval … (*)
A
Stream
B
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1000
900
800
700
600
Now just connect the dots and draw a smooth profile. The stream occupies the lowest
point of the valley. (*)