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For a quick definition, a contour line joins points of equal and constant values. For example, contours on an elevation have constant heights that are the same on each line in a topographic map.
- GIS Geography
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- GIS Geography
- Hill (Also: Mountain) – A hill has a distinct single summit and incline that rises above the surrounding area.On the map, there will be several contour “rings” leading to a peak.
- Ridge (Also: Arete or Spur) – A continuous elevated terrain with sloping sides.In the map represented by “U” or “V” shaped contour lines where the higher ground is in the wide opening.
- Valley (Also: Gully, Draw, Couloir) – Long depression in the terrain that has a narrow elevated side and a wide lower opening.A valley can be “V” or “U” shaped and often can be seen as a “negative” to a ridge.
- Saddle (Also: Col or Pass) – A low point between two distinct peaks (or hills) and forms the shape of a saddle.Saddles are represented on the map by a set of rings of a flatter area with two separate ring sets to represent the two peaks.
- What Are Contour Lines and Topographic Maps?
- Understanding Line Formations
- How to Read Contour Lines
- Topographic Map Tools
- FAQs
Contour Lines
Ever noticed those squiggly lines all over your hiking map? Other than the obvious trails and rivers, these squiggly lines are contour lines. Put simply, contour lines mark points of equal elevation on a map. If you trace the length of a line with your finger, each point you touch is the same height above sea level. If you were to walk the path of a contour line in real life, you would remain at the same elevation the whole hike, never traveling up or down. Contour lines are critical to under...
Topographic Maps
Topography is the study of geographical features on a landscape. A map with contour lines on it is called a topographic map. Topographic maps use a combination of colors, shading and contour lines to represent changes in elevation and terrain shape. Essentially, topographic maps represent the three-dimensional landscape of Earth within the two-dimensional space of a map. Credit: ThingLink The first known maps to include geographical features were found in Ancient Rome. It would be thousands o...
After reading contour lines on a map for a while, you’ll notice that a few distinct shapes pop again and again. Learning to identify common contour line formations will help you read topo maps quickly, and recognize the various terrain features they represent on a map. Let's dig into 'em.
A quick glance at a topographic map will give you a general idea of the landscape. Is it flat or mountainous? If each line represents an equal point of elevation, then any change in elevation would lead to inconsistent line spacing, right? For example, several contour lines spaced close together would indicate steep terrain, while lines spaced far ...
Of course, paper maps aren’t the only topographic tool out there. Smartphone apps and computers can provide any topographic map you may need quickly and accurately, even beyond the reach of wifi and cell signals. Google Maps.You can turn their topographic view (complete with contour lines) by selecting the “Terrain” layer from the options menu. Gai...
How to determine if an off-trail section is too steep from the topo map? Degrees of steepness The closer together the contour lines on your map are, the steeper the slope. Looking at how many feet per mile you are gaining or losing is a good way to estimate how steep a trail will be. Gradual climbs have less than 500ft/mi, moderate have 500-800ft/m...
The feature that makes this possible is contour lines: Contour lines indicate the steepness of terrain. Contour lines connect points that share the same elevation: Where they're close together (they never intersect), elevation is changing rapidly in short distance and the terrain is steep.
Jan 19, 2024 · The fundamental component of a basic topographic map is the contour lines. They act as a graphical depiction indicating the height and composition of the land, providing important details about its topology such as inclines or depressions.
Jan 26, 2024 · Contour lines are all the small, squiggly lines found on a topographic map. These are the cornerstone of a topographic map, and connect points with the same elevation above or below sea level. These lines allow cartographers to depict a three dimensional landscape on a flat paper map:
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Aug 31, 2019 · Constructing a topographic map by drawing in contours can be easily done if a person remembers the following rules regarding contour lines: Contour lines represent lines connecting points of equal elevation above sea level; Contour lines never cross, split, or die off; Contour intervals must be obeyed, therefore the contour line elevations can ...
