Question

2. A topographic map shows two locations,

X and Y, one half mile apart. From the
contour lines, the elevation of X is 800 feet
and Y is 750 feet. What is the gradient
between the two locations?
(1) 12.5 ft/mi (3) 50 ft/mi
(2) 25 ft/mi
(4) 100 ft/mi 2

Answer 1

The gradient between two points on a topographic map is found by dividing the difference in elevation by the distance. The difference in elevation is 50 feet, and the distance is half a mile, resulting in a gradient of 100 ft/mi.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asked involves calculating the gradient between two points on a topographic map. A gradient represents the rate of change in elevation over a certain distance. First, we find the difference in elevation between the two points, which is 800 feet - 750 feet = 50 feet. Next, we convert the distance between the two locations from miles to feet (since a gradient is often expressed in terms of feet per mile). There are 5280 feet in one mile, so half a mile is 5280 feet / 2 = 2640 feet. To find the gradient, we divide the difference in elevation by the distance:

Difference in elevation = 50 feet

Distance = 2640 feet (0.5 miles)

Gradient = 50 feet / 0.5 miles = 100 feet per mile

Therefore, the gradient between locations X and Y is 100 ft/mi.