- Identify the contour lines that intersect line AB. Starting from point A, the elevation is 300 meters. Moving towards B, the line crosses contours at 290, 280, 270, 260, 250, 240, 230, 220, and finally 210 meters at point B.
- On the profile grid, mark points corresponding to these elevations at their respective horizontal distances along line AB. For example, the 300m point is at distance 0 km (point A), the 290m point is slightly beyond A, and so on, until the 210m point at distance 2 km (point B).
- Connect these plotted points with a smooth, curved line to form the topographic profile, showing the gradual descent from A to B.
- The gradient between C and D is calculated using the formula: Gradient = (Change in Elevation) / (Horizontal Distance).
- Elevation at C is 300 meters. Elevation at D is 250 meters. Change in Elevation = 300 - 250 = 50 meters.
- Horizontal distance between C and D is approximately 1 kilometer (as measured on the map scale).
- Gradient = 50 meters / 1 kilometer = 50 m/km.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of topographic maps worksheet.
