Answer to Question #112162 in Geomatics for Nontobeko

Question

Discuss the three keys to the recognition of landforms on contour maps. Give an example for each of the three keys.

Answer 1

First, define the most popular landforms: hills, mountains, valleys, saddles, and plateaus. The key difference between them is the way they look from above and their elevation. Therefore, the index lines with elevation on them may help to recognize the landform. Shaded relief can be used to mark the slope: the steeper, the darker. On the other hand, the closer the index lines, the steeper, and vice versa.

Valleys are shown as index lines curved like V or U. Valleys have rivers in them that flow through the centers of V or U curves (rivers connect such lines).

A plateau can be recognized by a large closed shape with no other closed shapes inside.

Mountains or high hills can be recognized by a small circles on the top with their height on them.

Saddles are between two index lines.