Topographic Map Lab
As a result of the lab and the readings, you should be able to…
 Define and use the following terms or phrases: latitude, longitude, elevation,
contour, closed contour, vertical exaggeration.
 Calculate or determine the following on a map: contour interval, gradient, relief,
declination, scale, river flow direction, location using latitude and longitude
system, distance using scale.
 Create a topographic contour map given elevation data.

Relate how the spacing of contours relates to slope.
Some Relevant Guidelines Regarding Contours
1. A contour line must never divide or split.
2. A contour line must never simply end. At some point (usually off the map) the two
ends of a contour line must join to enclose an irregularly circular region.
3. A contour line must represent one and only one elevation.
4. A contour line may never intersect other contour lines. (Overhanging cliffs are the
rare exception, in which case the hidden contours are dashed.
5. Contour lines form a “V” pattern when crossing streams. The V always points
upstream (uphill).
6. Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope; widely spaced lines indicate a
gentle slope.
7. Concentric circles of contour lines indicate a hilltop or mountain peak.
8. Concentric circles of hachured contour lines indicate a hollow or closed depression.
How to Take Contour Information from a Map and Draw a Topographic Profile
If you want to make a topographic profile from one point to another on a map, place the
edge of a paper strip so that it intersects both points. Going from left to right, mark the
location and elevation of each contour line where one intersects the strip of paper (see
Figure 3 below). After marking these points, set the paper strip along the bottom of
graph paper and transfer the points to the graph as in Figure 4 below. If a scale is not
provided on the Y-axis of your graph paper, you will have to make one up that allows
you to plot all of the elevations recorded on your paper strip. When the points are all on
your graph paper, connect them to create your profile.
Refer to your contour map and profile on the previous page (Fig. 8) to answer the
following questions.
5. What direction does the water flow in Babbling Brook? What is your evidence? (1pt)
6. What is the distance from one side of the map to the other? (from x to y) (1pt)
7. What is the steepest gradient on the line between Babbling Brook and y? Show
your calculations. Include your units. (2pts)
For the following questions, refer to one of the U.S. Geological Survey
Quadrangle maps given to you. All questions are worth 1 pt each.
What is the title of your map (i.e. Quadrangle Location)? __________________
8. What parallel (latitude line) marks the northern boundary of the quadrangle?
9. What parallel marks the southern boundary of the quadrangle?
10. What meridian (longitude line) marks the eastern boundary of the quadrangle?
11. What is the distance (in degrees, minutes, and seconds) from western to the
eastern boundary of the quadrangle?
12. Is this a 30 minute quadrangle or a 15 minute quadrangle?
13. What is the magnetic declination of this map?
14. What is the fractional scale of this map?
15. How can this scale be expressed as a verbal scale in miles? In kilometers?
16. What is the contour interval?
17. What is the elevation of the lowest point on the map?
18. If you have the Antelope Peak Map…
a) In which direction does the water (occasionally) flow in the Vekol Wash?
b) Describe the difference in the topography between the following two locations:
lat. 32° 55’ long. 112° 10’ vs. lat. 32° 55’ long. 112° 5’
If you have the Ennis Montana map…
a) In which direction does the water flow in the Madison River?
b) Describe the difference in the topography between the following two locations:
lat. 45° 20’ long. 111° 40’ vs. lat. 45° 25’ long. 111° 35’
If you have the Chief Montana map…
a) In which direction does the water flow in the Belly River?
b) Describe the difference in the topography between the following two locations:
lat. 48° 40’ long. 113° 40’ vs. lat. 48° 40’ long. 113° 50’