Section 1
Contour Lines Reveal Earth's Shape
Contour lines on topographic maps connect points of equal elevation. Widely spaced lines show gentle slopes, while closely spaced lines indicate steep terrain. Closed circles mark hilltops or depressions.
In this Grade 6 Earth Science lesson from Chapter 1: Views of Earth Today, students learn how to read topographic maps by interpreting contour lines to determine elevation, slope, and relief. Using Mount Hood as a real-world example, students discover how the spacing of contour lines indicates steepness and how subtracting the lowest elevation from the highest calculates an area's relief. This lesson builds foundational map-reading skills aligned with the Earth Science textbook's introduction to Earth's surface features.
Section 1
Contour Lines Reveal Earth's Shape
Contour lines on topographic maps connect points of equal elevation. Widely spaced lines show gentle slopes, while closely spaced lines indicate steep terrain. Closed circles mark hilltops or depressions.
Section 2
Mapmakers Follow Rules to Create Accurate Maps
Topographic maps follow specific rules: contour lines never cross, closed circles show highest and lowest points, and the contour interval remains consistent throughout a single map.
Section 3
Index Lines Guide Elevation Calculations
Darker index contour lines display elevation numbers. To find unlabeled elevations, count lines from an index line, multiply by the contour interval, then add or subtract from the index elevation.
Section 4
Symbols Represent Features on Maps
Topographic maps use standardized symbols to show natural and human-made features. These include blue lines for water bodies, green shading for vegetation, and various markings for trails and structures.
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Section 1
Contour Lines Reveal Earth's Shape
Contour lines on topographic maps connect points of equal elevation. Widely spaced lines show gentle slopes, while closely spaced lines indicate steep terrain. Closed circles mark hilltops or depressions.
Section 2
Mapmakers Follow Rules to Create Accurate Maps
Topographic maps follow specific rules: contour lines never cross, closed circles show highest and lowest points, and the contour interval remains consistent throughout a single map.
Section 3
Index Lines Guide Elevation Calculations
Darker index contour lines display elevation numbers. To find unlabeled elevations, count lines from an index line, multiply by the contour interval, then add or subtract from the index elevation.
Section 4
Symbols Represent Features on Maps
Topographic maps use standardized symbols to show natural and human-made features. These include blue lines for water bodies, green shading for vegetation, and various markings for trails and structures.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter