Topographic Map

Topographic Maps show terrain, elevation, relief features, and shape using contour (Isolines) lines. It takes the 3D surface of the Earth and shows it with contour lines on a 2D map. The distance between the lines is referred to as a contour interval. The interval is constant unless stated otherwise.


The map shown is a Topographic Map of Meteor Crater in Arizona. The contour lines show the depth of the crater. The closer together the lines are, the steeper the slope. The farther apart the lines are, the more gradual the elevation.


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