From Map to Profile: Draw It and Work Out the Elevation Gain

In pairs, students draw the elevation profile of a real local route from the contour lines on the map and work out total elevation gain and loss, the average grade of each section and the hardest stretch. With that data, they decide where to place rest stops.

How to play

1. Quick review: contour interval, index contours and how to read the elevation of a point between two lines (4 min).
2. Each pair marks a 6–8 km route given by the teacher on the map and flags every place it crosses a contour line (6 min).
3. They transfer distances and elevations to graph paper, with km on the horizontal axis and meters on the vertical, and join the points to get the profile (8 min).
4. They calculate elevation gain, elevation loss and the average grade of each section as a percentage (rise divided by distance, times 100) (6 min).
5. They place two rest stops and a possible bail-out point on the profile and justify their choices (4 min).
6. Two pairs compare their profiles of the same route and discuss the differences (2 min).

Rules

• Each pair works in pencil so they can make corrections on the profile.
• Both partners check the calculations before accepting them.
• Maps are returned unmarked, using a sleeve or tracing paper on top.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: uses an enlarged or raised-relief map and dictates data to a partner, who draws.
• Dyscalculia: has a table with the grade calculation steps laid out.
• Autism: works with a pre-made profile template with labeled axes.

Learning goals

• Interpret contour lines to build a route's elevation profile.
• Calculate elevation gain and grade as data for planning an outdoor activity.
• Make safety and rest decisions based on profile analysis.

Equipment for a class of 25

• topographic maps: 15
• graph paper: 30
• rulers: 15

Teacher tip

Choose a route the school will actually hike on a field trip so the work feels meaningful. To add movement, students can then climb a staircase while counting meters of elevation.

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