Topographic Map Of Cambodia
Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Analysis of Cambodia’s Physical Topography
At the heart of the topographic map lies the Cambodian Plain, a vast alluvial lowland that covers nearly three-quarters of the country. Elevations here rarely exceed 20 meters above sea level. This is not a featureless flatland, however. The map reveals a subtle, almost imperceptible slope from north to south, directing all water toward the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. topographic map of cambodia
The most striking feature on any topographic map of this region is the Tonle Sap Lake. During the dry season, the lake appears as a modest, heart-shaped body of water covering about 2,700 km². But the contour lines around its shores tell a different story—one of extreme seasonal flux. The flat, 0- to 5-meter elevation bands extend for kilometers inland, illustrating the "flooded forest" ecoregion. In the wet season, the Mekong’s rising waters backflow into the Tonle Sap River, expanding the lake to over 16,000 km² and creating a temporary inland sea. The topographic map’s closely spaced contour lines at the lake’s southern tip (near Phnom Penh) reveal the critical choke point where this hydraulic reversal occurs. Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Analysis of Cambodia’s
The Central Plains are highly susceptible to annual monsoon flooding. Topographic maps are indispensable for modeling flood paths, designing dykes, and planning irrigation infrastructure. High-resolution elevation data is particularly critical for the flat Tonle Sap basin, where a vertical difference of centimeters can change the extent of flooding by kilometers. The map reveals a subtle, almost imperceptible slope
A topographic map of Cambodia represents elevation, landforms, and terrain features to support planning, environmental management, infrastructure development, and education. This discourse focuses on: (1) the country’s major topographic regions, (2) mapping techniques and data sources, (3) practical applications and examples, and (4) limitations and recommended best practices.
