EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Topographic maps conventionally show topography, or land contours, by means of contour lines. Contour lines are curves that connect contiguous points of the same altitude (isohypse). In other words, every point on the marked line of 100 m elevation is 100 m above mean sea level.

Detailed explanation-2: -The distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is the use of elevation contour lines to show the shape of the Earth’s surface. Elevation contours are imaginary lines connecting points having the same elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface, which is usually mean sea level.

Detailed explanation-3: -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.

Detailed explanation-4: -Topographic maps are detailed, accurate graphic representations of features that appear on the Earth’s surface. These features include: cultural: roads, buildings, urban development, railways, airports, names of places and geographic features, administrative boundaries, state and international borders, reserves.

Detailed explanation-5: -A contour line is drawn to show places of equal heights. Contour lines and their shapes represent the height and slope or gradient of the landform. Closely spaced contours represent steep slopes while widely spaced contours represent gentle slope.