Free Printable Topographic Map Worksheets for Students - Free Printable

Here’s the solution to the USGS Activity Sheet #4: “How to Read a Topographic Map,” with clear explanations for each question.

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1. Which is higher, hill A or hill B?

✔ Answer: Hill B

Explanation:
On a topographic map, contour lines represent elevation. The numbers on the lines indicate the height above sea level (in feet, in this case). Looking at the map:

- Hill A has contour lines labeled up to 40.
- Hill B has contour lines labeled up to 50.

Since 50 > 40, Hill B is higher than Hill A.

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2. Which is steeper, hill A or hill B?

✔ Answer: Hill B

Explanation:
Steepness (or gradient) on a topographic map is shown by how close together the contour lines are. The closer the lines, the steeper the slope.

- On Hill B, the contour lines (30, 40, 50) are packed more tightly together compared to Hill A.
- On Hill A, the lines are more spread out.

Therefore, Hill B is steeper.

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3. How many feet of elevation are there between contour lines?

✔ Answer: 10 feet

Explanation:
The problem statement explicitly says:
> *“On this map, the vertical distance between each contour line is 10 feet.”*

This is called the contour interval, and it’s given directly in the instructions.

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4. How high is hill A? _________ Hill B? ___________

✔ Answer: Hill A = 40 feet, Hill B = 50 feet

Explanation:
The highest contour line shown on each hill indicates its approximate peak elevation (since there’s no higher labeled line).

- Hill A’s highest contour line is labeled 40, so its peak is 40 feet.
- Hill B’s highest contour line is labeled 50, so its peak is 50 feet.

(Note: Technically, the actual peak could be slightly higher than the last contour line — e.g., Hill B might be up to just under 60 feet — but since no higher line is drawn and no spot elevation is given, we report the highest labeled contour as the height.)

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5. Are the contour lines closer together on hill A or hill B?

✔ Answer: Hill B

Explanation:
As explained in Question 2, contour lines that are closer together indicate a steeper slope. Looking at the map visually:

- Hill B’s lines (especially around the 40–50 range) are much closer together.
- Hill A’s lines are more spaced apart.

So, contour lines are closer together on Hill B, which also confirms it is steeper.

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✔ Final Answers Summary:

1. Hill B
2. Hill B
3. 10 feet
4. Hill A: 40 feet, Hill B: 50 feet
5. Hill B

Let me know if you’d like a visual explanation or want to learn how to draw a profile from this map!