Topographic Map Reading Skills
A worksheet for 6th graders to practice reading and interpreting topographic maps, focusing on contour lines, elevation, and landforms.
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Topics
Topographic Map Reading Skills
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to the topographic map image provided for some questions.
Understanding Contour Lines
A topographic map uses lines to show the shape and elevation of the land.
1. What do contour lines on a topographic map represent?
Rivers and lakes
Lines of equal elevation
Roads and highways
Boundaries between countries
2. If contour lines are very close together, what does this indicate about the slope of the land?
The slope is gentle
The slope is steep
The land is flat
There is a river nearby
1. The difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines is called the .
2. Contour lines that form a 'V' shape usually indicate a or stream, with the 'V' pointing upstream.
3. The highest point on a hill or mountain shown on a topographic map is often marked with a .
1. Explain how you can determine the direction of water flow on a topographic map.
2. Describe one real-world situation where reading a topographic map would be useful.
1. All points on a single contour line have the same elevation.
True
False
2. Contour lines can cross each other, especially on very steep cliffs.
True
False