7.6 Altitude (Height) on an OS Map Altitude , or height , is shown in metres above sea level on an OS map. It is shown in
four different ways.
Contours : These are lines that join places of equal height. Look for the contours with a number beside them to see the height of that area.
Triangulation stations : These are black triangles with the altitude measurement written beside them. They can show the height of mountain peaks and can be the highest point on a map.
Colour coding can also be used to show height. Land under 200 m is shown in different shades of green. Higher land is shown in shades of brown, which get darker as height increases.
Showing Slope
Slope describes the steepness of the land. The closer the contour lines are on a map, the steeper the slope of the land.
flat
Spot heights : These are black dots with the altitude measurement written beside them. They show specific heights for places.
7. Showing slope Flat Land
On an OS map, this will be shown by an absence of contour lines.
88 Gentle Slopes
On an OS map, gentle slopes will be indicated by contour lines that are widely spread out.
Steep Slopes
On an OS map, contour lines closely packed together indicate a steep slope.
Cliff s
On an OS map, the presence of cliffs is indicated by contour lines almost on top of each other.