What Are Contour Lines On A Topographic 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. They also use contour lines to give us an indication of the steepness of the terrain. Answer 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.

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In 2d these valley landscape features are a bit more difficult to see.

What are contour lines on a topographic map. Gullies or draws are characterized by u or v shaped contour lines with their closed end pointing towards higher elevation. 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. Essentially topographic maps represent the three dimensional landscape of earth within the two dimensional space of a map. It is usually drawn on the same horizontal scale as the map but the use of an exaggerated vertical scale is advisable to underline the elements of the relief.

Co ntour li nes are the greatest distinguishing feature of a topographic map. Each contour line can be defined as a closed line joining relief points at equal height above sea level. Topographic maps show special information that you can t find on normal maps. The brown lines weaving all around the map are known as contour lines each contour line represents a single.

A map with contour lines on it is called a topographic map. For any given map the contour interval is always the same within that map. Topo maps detail all the natural and human made features in a defined area such as trails roads peaks and rivers. Contour lines show elevation and the shape of the terrain.

Elevation contour lines and topographers are some of the topics that you ll see on the quiz and worksheet. Topographic maps use a combination of colors shading and contour lines to represent changes in elevation and terrain shape. Topo maps come in several scales but the detail most relevant to hiking is 1 25 000 and 1 50 000 which we ll explain in a bit more detail. On the other hand spur contour lines point toward lower elevation.

Contour lines in topographic maps topographic contours are imaginery lines that connect points of equal elevation above a reference level usually mean sea level.