Heights
Points on contours, index contours and points between two contours.
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Teaching Guide: Contour Lines and Cross-Sections
Reading a topographic map is a key geography skill: contour lines join points of the same height, and the closer together they are, the steeper the land. This free generator makes contour line worksheets with a different terrain every time, printed at true size, with an answer key.
- For
- Middle & High 7th, 8th, 9th (ages 12-14)
- Subject
- History & Society › Maps & Cartography
- Includes
- Student sheet and answer key
- Format
- A4, to print or save as PDF; new exercises every time
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
- Available in
- Catalan, Spanish, English
Student worksheet 
Answer key Steepness
Compare sections: the more contours crossed in the same distance, the steeper.
Cross-section
A grid under the map, as long as the line X–Y, to transfer the crossings onto.
Scale
Real distances at 1:50 000 and 1:25 000, and the gradient as a percentage.
True size
The map prints at its exact size, so it can be measured with a ruler.
Answer key
The heights, the steepest section with its climb and the cross-section drawn.
Frequently asked questions about the contour worksheets
Which grades are they for?
Heights on contours, distances and the cross-section of one hill for Grade 7; 50 m contours, height differences and harder cross-sections for Grade 8; points between contours, sections of different lengths and the gradient in % for Grade 9.
How do I draw a cross-section?
Lay a strip of paper along the line X–Y and mark where each contour crosses it, with its height. Then lay the strip along the grid and, at each mark, go up to the line of its height. Finally join the points with a smooth line.
What is the contour interval?
The difference in height between two neighbouring contours. The sheets always state it: 100 m at level 1 and 50 m at levels 2 and 3, with index contours labelled every 100 m.
How is the gradient worked out?
Divide the difference in height by the real distance and multiply by 100: climbing 100 m over 500 m is a 20 % gradient.
Which other worksheets go well with these?
Map and plan scales, latitude and longitude and blank maps. You will find every resource in history and geography worksheets.
How do I print only the answer key?
Click Print and choose “Answer key”, or “Worksheet and answer key” for both. Turn off “fit to page” so the map prints at true size.
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