How Do You Read Contour Lines On A Topographic Map?
Contour lines indicate elevation on a topographic map. They are drawn by connecting adjoining points of the same elevation. These contour lines are drawn as index contour lines (appearing as dark brown lines), intermediate contour lines (appearing as light brown lines), and supplementary contour lines (appearing as dashed brown lines). At the bottom center of the map, a contour interval is usually given to indicate the change in elevation between contour lines. Find the contour interval given at the bottom of the map. Note the value given for the contour interval. Locate your (or another point of interest) location on the map. Find two separate index contour lines on either side of your location on the map. They will appear as dark brown lines with a number written on them. The number is the elevation of all points on that contour line. Starting at the index contour line with the lowest elevation, count the intermediate contour lines from the index contour line to your location. Multip
