ESS Topographical Maps Notes

1. Notes:
Summarize: Five lines to write on
Width ~ 3 Fingers
Key Words and
Questions:
Topography

2. Topographical
Maps
• A 2D map that shows 3D landscape

3. Isoline
• A line that connects data points of the same value
• Ex: Isotherm (temperature), contour lines (elevation)

4. Contour
Lines
• Connect points of equal elevation

5. General
Characteristics
of Contour Lines
• 1. Do not cross or split

6. General
Characteristics
of Contour Lines
• 2. The closer the lines, the steeper the slope

7. General
Characteristics
of Contour Lines
• 3. Trend up valleys and form V’s and U’s where they
cross rivers

8. General
Characteristics
of Contour Lines
• 4. Index Contour Lines – darker and marked with
elevation

9. How does
one
determine a
stream
gradient?
• Drop in elevation between two points / distance
between the two points