Final answer:
The statement in question is false; spot elevations and contour lines on topographic maps are expressed in the same units to ensure the map is consistent and readable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement, "Spot elevations are not usually expressed in the same units as the contours," is false. Spot elevations and contour lines on topographic maps are always expressed in the same unit of measure to maintain consistency and readability of the map.
A topographical map, such as the map of Devil's Tower, Wyoming, illustrates the terrain of an area using contour lines that are representations of the elevation above a datum, typically sea level. Contour lines close together indicate steep terrain, as seen in the map and corresponding to the actual steep sides of Devil's Tower.
When reading a topographic map, spot elevations provide the exact elevation at a specific point and are important for understanding the absolute height of terrain features, whereas contour lines give a relative sense of the terrain by connecting points of equal elevation.
In tasks such as creating a geological cross-section using a topographical map, it's crucial for the vertical exaggeration, contour lines, and spot elevations to all be in the same units to accurately represent the geology and topography of the area.