Question

question: how do we interpret contour maps?

1. observe: look at the landscape and the corresponding topographic map. then use the add and subtract tools to create each of the following features: a hill, a depression, a ridge, and a valley. sketch the contour lines that represent each feature in the boxes below. (note: don’t forget to put hachure marks on the depression contour lines.)

boxes labeled hill, depression, ridge, valley

1. calculate: the relief of a contour map is the difference between its highest and lowest points.

what is the estimated relief of this map?
contour map image with 760 m and 500 m

1. practice: click new. from the tools menu at lower left, select screen shot. right-click the image and select copy image. open a blank document and paste the screenshot. click new, and repeat this until you have at least 4 maps. print your document.

for each map in your document, label or state the following:

• the tallest point on the map and its estimated elevation.
• the lowest point on the map and its estimated elevation.
• the relief of the map.
• the steepest slope on the map.
• a gentle slope on the map.

in addition, label any hills, ridges, valleys, or depressions that you see. you can even name the mountains, valleys, and other features if you like!

Explanation:

Sub - question 2 (Calculating relief)

Step 1: Identify highest and lowest elevations

The highest elevation shown is \(760\space m\) and the lowest is \(500\space m\).

Step 2: Calculate the relief

Relief is the difference between the highest and lowest points. So, we use the formula \(Relief = Highest\space elevation - Lowest\space elevation\).
Substituting the values, we get \(Relief=760 - 500\).

Answer:

\(260\space m\)