Question

How does a topographic map indicate the direction that a stream flows?

Answer 1

Where a stream crosses the land, the Vs in the contour lines point uphill. The channel of the stream passes through the point of the V and the open end of the V represents the downstream portion. If the stream contains water, the line will be blue; otherwise, the V patterns indicate the direction water will flow.

Answer 2

The blue lines on the map below show the locations of the stream. Water will always flow downhill so the elevation of the contour lines will decrease in the direction water is flowing.