msuheader2.gif (15254 bytes)Topographic Map
Interpretation

TECHNIQUE NUMBER 3 relief.gif (1686 bytes)

RELIEF

Z2 - Z1

Relief is defined as the difference in elevation between two points. The two points may be close together (local relief), far apart (regional relief), or the highest and lowest points on a quadrangle or other defined area (maximum relief). The determination of relief is as simple as 1-2-3:

  1. Find the elevation of the high and low points in question.
  2. Subtract the low elevation from the high one.
  3. Report the relief as the difference + THE SQUARE ROOT OF THE SUM OF THE SQUARES OF THE UNCERTAINTIES IN THE ELEVATION DETERMINATIONS.

For example: The maximum relief within section 30, T1S, R6E on the Bozeman quad is 4970 + 20' (an interpolated ridge-crest elevation) minus 4667 + 12' (a section corner on the East Gallatin River) = 303 + 23 feet [4970 - 4667 = 303, (202+122)1/2 ~ 23].

EXERCISE: What is the relief between the Bozeman BM (a black X about 1 km E of the intersection of US 191 and US 10), and the hilltop in section 29, T2S, R6E?

 

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NOTE:

Copyright 1998 by W. Locke.  Commercial use prohibited.  Educational use permitted under condition of a courtesy notification to Dr. Locke.  Return to the Table of Contents.  Return to Dr. Locke's home page.