On a topographic map the contour interval is $20$ m. Points A and B lie on successive contour lines, with A on the $140$ m contour and B on the $160$ m contour. The horizontal distance between A and B measured on the map is $3$ cm. The map scale is 1 cm : $250$ m. Determine (i) the actual ground distance between A and B, (ii) the gradient (slope) expressed as a percentage, (iii) the angle of the slope in degrees (to one decimal place), and (iv) classify the slope as gentle (0-5 %), moderate (5-15 %) or steep (15 %).

Question

On a topographic map the contour interval is $20$ m. Points A and B lie on successive contour lines, with A on the $140$ m contour and B on the $160$ m contour. The horizontal distance between A and B measured on the map is $3$ cm. The map scale is 1 cm : $250$ m. Determine (i) the actual ground distance between A and B, (ii) the gradient (slope) expressed as a percentage, (iii) the angle of the slope in degrees (to one decimal place), and (iv) classify the slope as gentle (0-5 %), moderate (5-15 %) or steep (>15 %).

Accepted Answer

Ground distance = 750 m; gradient = 2.67 %; angle ≈ 1.5°; slope is gentle.

Neco 2024 Geography Question 39

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