4. what is the contour interval on this map? (4 points) course hero

What is the contour interval of a map?

A higher contour interval is used for a large area and small contour interval for small area. In a large map, index contour lines are less to keep it simple to read the map easily. In this case, to find out the intermediate points elevation, contour intervals are used. What Is the Contour Interval Equal To?

What are intermediate contours on a topographic map?

To make the contours easier to read, every fifth one is the index contourwhich is printed darker and has the elevation in feet from mean sea level marked on the line (Figure 2-14). The thinner or lighter colored contour lines are called intermediate contours. Figure 2-14. Topographic map showing elevation of two index contours (700 and 800).

What is a contour line on a map?

A contour map consists of contour lines for a given geographic region. To keep the contour map simple and easy to read, not all contour lines are marked with their elevation reading. These marked or labeled lines are known or called Contour lines of the index.

What is contour line?

A contour line is a line drawn on a topographic map to indicate ground elevation or depression. A contour interval is the vertical distance or difference in elevation between contour lines. Index contours are bold or thicker lines that appear at every fifth contour line.#N#If the numbers associated with specific contour lines are increasing, the elevation of the terrain is also increasing. If the numbers associated with the contour lines are decreasing, there is a decrease in elevation. As a contour approaches a stream, canyon, or drainage area, the contour lines turn upstream. They then cross the stream and turn back along the opposite bank of the stream forming a "v". A rounded contour indicates a flatter or wider drainage or spur. Contour lines tend to enclose the smallest areas on ridge tops, which are often narrow or very limited in spatial extent. Sharp contour points indicate pointed ridges.#N#Example 1 - In the graphic below, what is the vertical distance between the contour lines?#N#Pick two contour lines that are next to each other and find the difference in associated numbers.#N#40 feet - 20 feet = 20 feet#N#The contour lines in this figure are equally spaced. The even spacing indicates the hill has a uniform slope. From the contour map, a profile can be drawn of the terrain.#N#Example 2 - Draw a profile showing the elevations of the contours.#N#Note: The intervals are increasing, therefore, the contours indicate a hill. The peak is normally considered to be located at half the interval distance.#N#Widely separated contour lines indicate a gentle slope. Contour lines that are very close together indicate a steep slope.#N#The figure above illustrates various topographic features. (b) Notice how a mountain saddle, a ridge, a stream, a steep area, and a flat area are shown with contour lines.#N#The figure above illustrates a depression and its representation using contour lines. Notice the tick marks pointing toward lower elevation.

What does a rounded contour mean?

A rounded contour indicates a flatter or wider drainage or spur. Contour lines tend to enclose the smallest areas on ridge tops, which are often narrow or very limited in spatial extent. Sharp contour points indicate pointed ridges.

What happens when contour lines decrease?

If the numbers associated with the contour lines are decreasing, there is a decrease in elevation. As a contour approaches a stream, canyon, or drainage area, the contour lines turn upstream. They then cross the stream and turn back along the opposite bank of the stream forming a "v".

Where is the contour interval?

Before you ever start analyzing contours, you should determine the contour interval which is found in the bottom center of the map. To determine the elevation of a point, you must have a reference line from which to start. This reference line is an index contour.

What is contour map?

A contour map consists of contour lines for a given geographic region. To keep the contour map simple and easy to read, not all contour lines are marked with their elevation reading. These marked or labeled lines are known or called Contour lines of the index.

What is index contour?

Index contours are bold or thicker lines that appear at every fifth contour line. If the numbers associated with specific contour lines are increasing, the elevation of the terrain is also increasing. If the numbers associated with the contour lines are decreasing, there is a decrease in elevation.

Why are index contours labeled?

To make topographic maps easier to read, every fifth contour line is an index contour. Because it’s impractical to mark the elevation of every contour line on the map, the index contour lines are the only ones labeled. The index contours are a darker or wider brown line in comparison to the regular contour lines.

What does a contour line mean?

A single contour line marks an equal elevation line, which means that if the contour line measures an elevation of 1,000 feet above average sea level, all points along that line are 1,000 feet above average sea level.

What is the purpose of contour lines?

The purpose of contour lines is to represent the tridimensional shape of the terrestrial surface on a bidimensional map. Contour lines are the intersection of an horizontal plane parallel to the reference level and the topographical surface to describe. Consequently: Contour lines are always closed curves.

Why is it important to combine a topographic map with the surrounding landscape?

To combine a topographic map with the surrounding landscape, which will allow you to identify features such as mountains and rivers, it is important to ensure that the map is oriented correctly.

When to use a higher contour interval?

When a large area is to be mapped in small piece of paper contour intervals are used. A higher contour interval is used for a large area and small contour interval for small area.

What is horizontal equivalent?

Horizontal Equivalent. 1. It is based on vertical levels. Represents horizontal distance. 2. No measurement or scaling is required since the contour levels are indicated on the contour lines. The distance must be measured on the map and converted to actual distance by multiplying with the scale of the map. 3. ...

What do contour lines represent?

Contour lines represent the shape and elevation of the land, such as ridges, valleys, and hills. Colors and symbols are used to represent other features on the land, such as water, vegetation, roads, boundaries, urban areas and structures. The USGS produces a series of topographic maps that are extremely accurate.

How long are latitude and longitude tick marks on a 1:24,000 scale map?

On 1:24,000 scale maps, latitude and longitude tick marks are indicated every 2.5 minutes. ƒLongitude tick marks are on the top and bottom edges of the map and latitude tick marks are on the right and left edges.