9.3A| Drawing Contour Lines

Instructions

After listening to and considering the lecture and completing the assigned reading, you should be ready for this assignment, which requires applying what you learned through the lecture and the readings. Be sure to read through the rules and hints below before beginning. You have no time limit and 2 attempts.  

Time Needed

Around 30 minutes. 

Learning Objectives

• Interpret slopes and landforms using contour lines
• Determine elevations, relief, and gradient
• Interpret and create topographic maps and profiles 

Follow these Rules for Drawing Contour Lines:

• Contour lines connect points with the same
• When drawing contour lines, connect the data points with one, smooth line avoiding sharp angles.
• Contour lines never cross, branch off, or touch each other (there are exceptions).
• When contour lines cross streams they point towards the higher elevation.
• If a contour line is close to the perimeter of the map & does not form an enclosed circle, continue it to the edge of the map.
• Use a pencil to draw the contour lines and if you make a mistake, erase You could also complete the map digitally.

Helpful tips:

• Before drawing contour lines, note the location of the highest elevation, the lowest elevation, water bodies, and the contour interval.
• It is usually easier to start with the contour line that has the lowest elevation.
• Only work on one contour line at a time!
• The video tutorial below will help you get started

Video Tutorial