There are many kinds of maps we can use to get information. A few examples include street maps, which show us how to get from “here” to “there;” maps which show airline or other transportation routes; or world maps, which show major bodies of water, countries and major cities.

Topographical maps show the general height and details of land in a small area. Topographic maps (or topos) show the location and shape of both natural and manmade visible features, such as hills, streams, lakes and streets. Generally, topographic maps cover a smaller area of land than other maps, in order to accurately indicate the height and depth of features.

Contour lines are used to show the difference in height between sea level and the natural features of the land. In other words, where there’s a line, the land is a “step” higher than the other line. When the contour lines are quite close together, the slope or elevation of a feature is more steep than when the lines are farther apart. The numbers on a topographic map indicate the major elevation points, in feet, of a natural or manmade feature. There are also numbers on the map that tell you whether the contour intervals, or vertical intervals, are at ten foot, 50 foot, or 100 foot intervals. Also,
topo maps also feature common symbols to show the position of features.

These maps are used by designers and contractors, to determine whether they can work with the natural flow of the land, or if they must level the land to construct their theme park or buildings. Also, hikers will use topo maps, along with a compass, when they go into woods or an area which is not marked by trails or signs.

For information on making or reading topographic maps, click on the “links” button on the top of the page.



Once you have referenced the web sites on topographic maps, or gotten a book from the library, you may want to create a topo map of your own! Pick an area, perhaps the block you live in, or the woods near your home or school, and get started. First measure the area the best way you can. Then determine the reference size. For example, on paper, will one inch equal ten feet or 100 feet? Then mark the obvious features: streets, streams, houses, etc. After those are in place, you can work on inserting the lines that indicate the differences in levels of the land. Keep in mind the basic rules for contour lines that are included in books and web sites that show how they made.