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There are many types of maps including topographic maps, weather maps, and geologic maps.

Atoms Practice
Practice Maps
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How much information can be put on one map?

What a confusing map! It shows the locations of important features, including Old Faithful, trails, development, trees, streams, and hillsides. But it has all those squiggly lines! Look carefully and try to notice some features about the lines. For example, they don't cross. Every fifth one is darker. What is this map trying to tell you?

Topographic Maps

Topographic maps represent the locations of geographical features, such as hills and valleys. Topographic maps use contour lines to show different elevations. A contour line is a line of equal elevation. If you walk along a contour line you will not go uphill or downhill. Topographic maps are also called contour maps. The rules of topographic maps are:

  • Each line connects all points of a specific elevation.
  • Contour lines never cross since a single point can only have one elevation.
  • Every fifth contour line is bolded and labeled.
  • Adjacent contour lines are separated by a constant difference in elevation (such as 20 ft or 100 ft). The difference in elevation is the contour interval , which is indicated in the map legend.

Old Faithful erupting, Yellowstone National Park.

While this image isn’t exactly the same view as the map at the top of this lesson, it is easy to see the main features. Hills, forests, development, and trees are all seen around Old Faithful.Geologic Maps

A geologic map of the region around Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park.

A geologic map shows the geological features of a region. Rock units are color-coded and identified in a key. Faults and folds are also shown on geologic maps. The geology is superimposed on a topographic map to give a more complete view of the geology of the region.


  • index conour A darker, heavier contour line indicating elevation.
  • contour interval : The constant difference in elevation between two contour lines on a topographic map.
  • contour line : A line on a topographic map to show elevation.
  • geologic map : A map showing the geologic features, such as rock units and structures, of a region.
  • topographic map : A map that shows elevations above sea level to indicate geographic feature.


  • Earth scientists regularly use topographic, bathymetric, and geologic maps.
  • Bathymetric maps are like topographic maps of features found below the water. Elevations indicate depth below sea level.
  • Geologic maps show rock units and geologic features like faults and folds.


Use this resource to answer the questions that follow.

1. What is sea level?

2. How far apart are topographic lines?

3. What do the contour lines represent?

4. How do you know that there's a crater at the top of the volcano rather than a peak?

5. What is the purpose of a topographic map?



2. How will a steep slope look different from a shallow slope?

3. What would a geologic map of the Grand Canyon look like? Remember that the Grand Canyon has many layers of rocks exposed like a layer cake.

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