How to Calculate a Gradient

Understanding the Gradient

• Definition: Measures the steepness of a slope between two places.
• Formula: Gradient = Vertical Interval / Horizontal Equivalent

Steps to Calculate Gradient

1. Identifying Vertical Interval

• Vertical Interval: Difference in height between two locations.
• Example: If point A is at 1200 m and point B is at 1100 m, then the vertical interval = 1100 m - 1200 m = 100 m.

2. Determining Horizontal Equivalent

• Horizontal Equivalent: Distance between two places on the map.
• Use the map scale to convert physical distance (e.g., 25 cm on the map) to real distance.
• Example Calculation:
  • Map distance = 25 cm
  • Map scale = 1:50,000
  • Real distance = 25 cm * 50,000 = 1,250,000 cm = 12,500 meters

3. Calculating the Gradient

• Plug the values into the formula.
• Example: Gradient = 100 m / 12,500 m = 1 / 125
• Simplification: Write values as a ratio.
  • Result for our example: 1:156.25 (approximately 1:1563)

Interpretation of Gradient

• Tells us about slope steepness.
• Steepness: Lower value indicates steeper slope.
• Example: 1:2 ratio means very steep slope (1 m height increase for every 2 m traveled).
• Example: 1:1563 ratio means gentle slope.

Additional Resources

• Videos on related topics:
  • Calculating Distances
  • Map Scales
  • Measuring Bearings

Note: Remember to subscribe and refer to the linked videos for more in-depth explanations on related topics.