Editing Stream gradient (section)

==Topographic mapping==
{{further|Topographic profile}}

On [[topographic map]]s, stream [[Grade (slope)|gradient]] can be easily approximated if the scale of the map and the contour intervals are known. [[Contour lines#Elevation and depth|Contour lines]] form a V-shape on the map, pointing upstream. By counting the number of lines that cross a certain segment of a stream, multiplying this by the contour interval, and dividing that quantity by the length of the stream segment, one obtains an approximation to the stream gradient.

Because stream gradient is customarily given in feet per 1000 feet,  one should then measure the amount a stream segment rises and the length of the stream segment in feet, then multiply feet per foot gradient by 1000. For example, if one measures a scale mile along the stream length, and counts three contour lines crossed on a map with ten-foot contours, the gradient is approximately 5.7 feet per 1000 feet, a fairly steep gradient.