Topographic Map

A Topographic Map shows elevation above sea level.  This type of map is particuarly handy for hikers that will be curious about the challenges of the trails in front of them.  This will show them when the land is going to be steep and present more of a challenge.  The most usefull characteristic on a topographic map is the contour lines.  These lines can range from different intervals, based on how the map's key is established, but then the lines hold the same amount of elevation between each interval.  For example, if each line represents a hundred feet, then a one who is looking at a grouping of a lot of closely put togther lines will know that this is going to be a steep climb.  The closer lines are together on a map, the higher the elevation is in that area.

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