What Do Contour Lines Represent On A Topographic Map

What do contour lines represent on a topographic map

Contour lines are wavy circular lines employed on a two dimensional topographic map that depict elevation on the ground. Regional maps need only show broad contours and 100 is typical otherwise the density of the image would render them unreadable while site plans for construction proposals may even get down to 1 2 gradients to simplify.

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Topographic maps use a combination of colors shading and contour lines to represent changes in elevation and terrain shape.

A topographic map includes contour lines drawn to represent changes in elevation the most important thing to remember is that close contour lines mean steep terrain and open contour lines mean flat. Contour lines show elevation and the shape of the terrain. To communicate the precision of the vertical measurement. But meteorology isopleth magnetism isogon and even drive time isochrones also use contours for different purposes.

The lines themselves represent elevation and as other posters point out the distance between them shows gradient or the slope of the land. Irregular contours mean rugged terrain. The closeness of contours indicate slope. Contour lines are lines drawn on a map connecting points of equal elevation meaning if you physically followed a contour line elevation would remain constant.

A contour map is a map illustrated with contour lines for example a topographic map which thus shows valleys and hills and the steepness or gentleness of slopes. Contour lines in topographic maps topographic contours are imaginery lines that connect points of equal elevation above a reference level usually mean sea level. In our example contour lines represented constant elevation and showed the topography of the landscape. Essentially topographic maps represent the three dimensional landscape of earth within the two dimensional space of a map.

Each contour line corresponds to a specific elevation therefore contour lines never cross each other with the exception of representing overhanging cliffs or caves. The map legend should specify the gradient whether 10 50 etc. A map with contour lines on it is called a topographic map. The distance between each contour line is set to represent a certain level of elevation with zero being sea level.

Most maps i use the distance between the contour lines represents 10 meters. Co ntour li nes are the greatest distinguishing feature of a topographic map. In cartography a contour line often just called a contour joins points of equal elevation height above a given level such as mean sea level.

In cartography a contour line often just called a contour joins points of equal elevation height above a given level such as mean sea level. Co ntour li nes are the greatest distinguishing feature of a topographic map. Most maps i use the distance between the contour lines represents 10 meters.

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