A topographic map of a course can help golfers visualize the best route to a hole.
Topographic contours are a means of displaying the three-dimensional surface of the Earth in two dimensions, on a sheet of paper. The spacing and shapes of the contour lines allow those viewing the map to visualize the shape of the land in terms of the height of hills or depth of valleys and the steepness of the slopes that connect high and low points. Whether you want to map a golf course or a mountain range, the information needed to build a topographic map remains the same, and so does the technique of drawing the contours.
Instructions
Collect the Data
1. Obtain a detailed map or aerial photograph of the course, preferably a large version. A base map 2 to 3 feet on a side will allow you plenty of room to draw your contour lines.
2. Design a series of transects for collecting elevation data. You will walk the course along these lines, frequently stopping to read a GPS unit and record the elevation. Plan frequent measurements where the terrain is changing, such as at hills and bunkers, and less frequent measurements where the terrain is flat.
3. Walk the course along each transect. Stop at every measurement point, take a GPS reading of the elevation and record the elevation reading on the base map.
Contour the Topography
4. Choose a contour interval, the difference between consecutive contours on your map. Contour intervals are often round numbers such as 2 or 5 feet. A good interval is small enough to show detail but not so small that the map is covered with lines.
5. Find the highest elevation in the map area. Draw light pencil lines between this point and nearby points using a ruler. Estimate where each multiple of your chosen contour interval lies along each line and make a small tick mark. For instance, if your contour interval is 2 and the two points are 3 and 5, the 4-point lies halfway between them. Lines pass directly through any point with a matching value.
6. Sketch a smooth curve through all estimates with the same elevation. This line must also pass through any data points with its value. All points on one side of the line must be higher and those on the other side lower.
7. Draw another line at the next multiple of the contour interval. The line's shape should be similar to the first curve and must not cross it. Label both contour lines with their elevation and check to see that this line follows the two rules stated above.
8. Continue drawing contour lines and labeling them until the entire map is full. Completed maps have a line or lines for each multiple of the contour interval between the highest and lowest elevations on the map.
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