How to Read Contour Maps

Contour maps, or topographic maps, are typically used to navigate in the back country. These maps indicate the location of geographic features such as lakes and rivers, and man-made features such as roads and trails. Contour lines on the map indicate the elevation and characteristics of the terrain, such as steep slopes or level ground.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Topographic Map

1. Determine the scale on your contour map. United States Geological Survery (USGS) topographic maps typically use a scale of 1:24,000, meaning that one inch represents 2000 feet.

2. Become familiar with the map's symbols and color conventions. Individual houses may be shown as squares, while larger buildings may be shown as their actual shape. Contour intervals are typically shown in brown, water features (such as rivers, streams, ponds or lakes) in blue; important roads in red and man-made features (such as buildings, trails or railroads) in black.

3. Determine the shape of the terrain. You can do this by looking at the contour intervals (brown lines) on the map. Each contour line represents a separate elevation. The value marked on an index line is the elevation. Elevations on USGS maps are marked in feet.

4. Take a look at the distance between the contour lines. Contour lines that are close together indicate a steep slope. Contour lines that have a wide distance between them indicate relatively level terrain.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using your topographic map in the back country, be sure to put it in a waterproof map case to protect in from the elements. Many topographic maps are available for purchase and/or are downloadable from the USGS website (see Resources ).

References

• Topographic Map Symbols

Resources

• USGS Maps, Imagery, and Publications

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