Question

Distinguish between the spot height and the benchmark on a topographical map.

Answer 1

Hint:
The topographical map demonstrates the size, shape, and the character of the earth’s surface. In today’s mapping system, the map shows a wide range of detail and the representation of the terrain.


Complete solution:
The map generally uses the contour lines to represent the connecting points of equal elevation. In earlier times, the topographic map shows both natural and artificial features. A topographic survey is generally made up of two or more sheets of the map and then contributes to a whole map. A typical topographic map explains map projection, coordinate system, ellipsoid, and geodetic datum. The description of the topographic maps is provided by Natural Resources Canada. The features depicted by these maps include areas of administration, drainage system of lakes and rivers, the forest area covered on the land surface, transportation of roads and railways, and similar other features.

The spot height can be defined as the height of the particular point on the ground that often explains the height of a hill or mountain. The spot height is measured from the main sea level. A benchmark can be used as a point of reference that is generally marled on stone.

Additional Information – The topographical survey was mostly done by the people involved in the military to serve in the planning of defence. These topographic maps are different from chorographic maps, planimetric maps, and thematic maps.

Note:
 A topographical map is used in so many ways such as civil engineering, earth-based endeavours, mining, earth science, geographical area, an automotive navigation system, and large scale architecture.