Question

How is elevation shown on a topographic map?

intermediate contours
index contours
contour intervals
contour lines

Answer 1

Elevation on a topographic map is primarily shown using **contour lines**. These lines connect points of equal elevation above a specific reference point, usually sea level.

Here’s how the other terms relate to elevation:

1. **Intermediate Contours**: These are the regular contour lines that fall between index contours. They help to indicate changes in elevation between the more prominent index contour lines.

2. **Index Contours**: These are the thicker contour lines that are labeled with their elevation. They are typically spaced at regular intervals (e.g., every 100 feet) to make it easier to read the elevation and understand the terrain.

3. **Contour Intervals**: This term refers to the vertical distance or difference in elevation between adjacent contour lines. It is the measure that indicates how much elevation increases or decreases from one contour line to the next.

In summary, elevation is shown through the combination of contour lines, with index contours marking the major elevations and intermediate contours filling in the detail, defined by the specified contour interval.