2.13: Topographic Profiles

Topographic Profiles

Construction of a topographic profile allows you to visualize the vertical component of a landscape. A topographic profile is similar to the view you have of a landscape while standing on earth, looking at hills and valleys from the side rather than from above.

To successfully draw a topographic profile, follow these simple steps or visit How do I construct a Topographic Profile Links to an external site., or watch the first 4 minutes of the video below on constructing a topographic profile for additional help.

  1. Locate a line on a map that is interesting. In many cases, this line is given to you (often labeled A-A' or A-B). Grab a piece of blank paper and place the edge along this line. Mark the starting and ending points of the line. Be sure you label them appropriately, as A and A', or A and B, or however the original line on the map is identified.
  2. Start at one end, for example the A end, and move along the edge of the paper, making a mark on the paper every time a contour line touches the edge of the paper. Make sure you label each mark with the right elevation so that you can transfer that point to the correct elevation on your profile. It is important to write neatly to ensure your labels can be read during a later step. Note the highest and lowest elevation.
  3. Use a piece of graph paper (or horizontally lined paper) that is at least as long as your profile line. If needed, tape paper together to a long enough sheet; make sure the grid lines line up.
  4. On the graph paper, draw a horizontal line the length of the profile line. Draw vertical lines above your starting and ending points. Label the y-axis (vertical lines) with elevation. It is important to consider the scale, using the noted highest and lowest elevations from Step 2. For example, if the lowest elevation is 7,200 feet and the highest is 10,600 feet, you’d likely want to label your axis from 7,000 to 11,000 feet.
  5. Line up your original tick marked paper with the line drawn on your graph paper. Beginning with the elevation on the left-hand side of the paper, go directly up from that tick mark to make a small dot at the corresponding elevation. Note that the point does not need to be on a vertical line on the graph paper.
  6. Once you have transferred all of your tick marks to your graph paper, connect the dots using a smooth curve. When connecting dots, recall you are interpreting the land surface between contour lines and therefore want smooth and consistent lines, and not straight lines. If you compare your profile with a fellow classmate, you may notice slight differences; overall, however, they should be a similar shape.