What Do Contour Lines Represent On A Topographic Map

What do contour lines represent on a topographic map

The map legend should specify the gradient whether 10 50 etc. 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.

Understanding Topographic Maps

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

Most maps i use the distance between the contour lines represents 10 meters. Essentially topographic maps represent the three dimensional landscape of earth within the two dimensional space of a map. Contour lines in topographic maps topographic contours are imaginery lines that connect points of equal elevation above a reference level usually mean sea level. Contour lines are wavy circular lines employed on a two dimensional topographic map that depict elevation on the ground.

The distance between each contour line is set to represent a certain level of elevation with zero being sea level. Co ntour li nes are the greatest distinguishing feature of a topographic map. Irregular contours mean rugged terrain. To communicate the precision of the vertical measurement.

The lines themselves represent elevation and as other posters point out the distance between them shows gradient or the slope of the land. Contour lines show elevation and the shape of the terrain. But meteorology isopleth magnetism isogon and even drive time isochrones also use contours for different purposes. 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.

The closeness of contours indicate slope. 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. Each contour line corresponds to a specific elevation therefore contour lines never cross each other with the exception of representing overhanging cliffs or caves. 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.

In our example contour lines represented constant elevation and showed the topography of the landscape. A map with contour lines on it is called a topographic map. 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.

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. A map with contour lines on it is called a topographic map. In our example contour lines represented constant elevation and showed the topography of the landscape.

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