Understanding Topographic
Maps
Architectural Drawing & Interior Design
Lesson Objectives…
• Define Topography
• Define Contour Lines.
What is a Topographic Map?
• Topography is “the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical
feature of an area”.
• Therefore, a topographic map is a map detailing the arrangement of
natural and artificial physical features of an area.
• Uses contour lines to indicate elevations. Sometimes made with
shaded reliefs.
Topographic
map with
shaded relief.
Contour Lines
• Thin brown lines found on topographic map.
• Indicates elevation.
• All points on a contour line are at the same elevation.
• Contour lines close together mean a steep incline. Space apart means
gentle uphill.
• Two types Index and Interval.
Index and Interval Lines
• Thick brown lines are called index lines and reveal elevation (usually a
break for a number).
• Thin brown lines are called interval lines.
• Interval lines indicate a 40 foot interval in the map.
• Example: An index line that says its 600 feet plus two interval lines would be
an elevation of 680 feet.
Contour Lines Used to Represent Different
Features.
You Assignment.
• Go through the modeling terrain and creating contours assignment
and apply those techniques to the Proportion & Unity assignment.