Some details about topograhic maps

Most of us don’t understand all of the symbols or rules concerning topographic maps, right? So this little blurb is to help clarify a few of the simple rules to help you at least have a basic grasp of what is what. Ok, for starters there is a rule of V’s you should know. The sharply-pointed vees usually are in stream valleys, and the vee points upstream. The reasoning for this is it is a consequence of erosion due to the eroding properties of streams and rivers. Another tip is about the spacing of the contour lines. The closer together they are, the steeper the slope and visa-versa.