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How to Calculate Line Height

Line height on a topography map can be calculated by creating a topographical profile. This is a cross-sectional view that is seen along a line that is drawn on a section of the map. To do this you need to use a sheet of transparency paper and graph paper to create the profile. You can do this with any straight line placed on a topographical map.

Things You'll Need

Transparency paper
Pencil
Profile paper
Graph paper

Instructions

- 1
  Determine where on the map you want to create the topographic profile. Place a sheet of transparency paper over that area.
- 2
  Make a mark on the paper where a contour of a stream, hill top of other feature crosses the paper with a pencil.
- 3
  Write the elevation for each feature under each mark on the paper.
- 4
  Draw a vertical scale and label each feature on a piece of profile or graph paper.
- 5
  Place the graph paper under the sheet of transparency paper on the topographical map. Draw a vertical line for each feature up to the marks you made in step 2.
- 6
  Connect the points to create the topographic profile. Subtract the lowest point from the highest point to determine the height of the line.

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