What does it mean when contour lines are far apart?

On a topographic map, the contour lines follow a certain elevation across the terrain. So here's what each of the things you mention would mean: If the lines are far apart, that means that there is little or no slope in that area of the map. That means it's a steep slope.

In this regard, what do contour lines that are farther apart represent?

Contour lines that are relatively close together indicate a slope that is fairly steep. Contour lines that are further apart indicates a slope that is relatively flat.

Secondly, how far apart are contour lines on a map? A contour is a line drawn on a map that joins points of equal height above sea level. For 1:25 000 scale maps the interval between contours is usually 5 metres, although in mountainous regions it may be 10 metres.

Then, what is the distance between contour lines called?

The elevation difference between two adjacent contour lines is called the contour interval (CI). Usually the contour interval is noted on the map legend. In most topographic maps every 5th contour line is drawn in bold print or wider than other contours. Such lines are called index contour lines.

What does it mean if the contour interval on a map is 25 feet?

Steep slope is when contours are close together. Overlapping contours means there is a cliff. If the contour interval of a topographic map is 25 feet, and every fifth line is an index contour, the difference in elevation between index contours would be 125 feet.

27 Related Question Answers Found

What do contour lines represent?

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. 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.

How do contour lines work?

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. Contour lines show elevation and the shape of the terrain. These lines are evenly spaced apart. We call this spacing the contour interval.

What are the numbers on a topographic map?

Horizontal distance is found on the scale. As you look at the map, notice that the contour lines enclose smaller and smaller areas. The smallest circles represent the tops of peaks, and some are marked with x's with numbers next to them. The numbers are the elevation at the top of the peak.

How do contour lines show a steep slope?

When contour lines are closer together on a map, they indicate a steep slope. Think of contour lines as the distance between each incline. The closer together the inclines, the steeper the hill. On the other hand, the farther apart lines tend to indicate a depression in the landscape.

How do you find elevation?

How to find elevation on Google Maps in a web browser

Type your location into the search bar on the left side.
Click the "Menu" bar, which is next to the search bar and is represented by the three horizontal lines in the top-left.
Hit "Terrain" to show topography and elevation.

Can contour lines cross?

Answer and Explanation: Contour lines never cross on a topographic map because they represent the same elevation of the land. A particular point of land cannot be at more than one elevation, so only one contour line will pass through that spot. All the points along that contour line on the map will be at 2,500 feet.

What are the types of contour lines?

There are 3 kinds of contour lines you'll see on a map: intermediate, index, and supplementary.

Index lines are the thickest contour lines and are usually labeled with a number at one point along the line.
Intermediate lines are the thinner, more common, lines between the index lines.

What is the zero contour line?

The contour line represented by the shoreline separates areas that have elevations above sea level from those that have elevations below sea level. We refer to contour lines in terms of their elevation above or below sea level. In this example the shoreline would be the zero contour line.

What are the 5 Rules of contour lines?

Rule 1 - every point of a contour line has the same elevation. Rule 2 - contour lines separate uphill from downhill. Rule 3 - contour lines do not touch or cross each other except at a cliff. Rule 4 - every 5th contour line is darker in color.

What 2 types of lines show elevation differences?

Topographic maps represent the locations of geographical features, such as hills and valleys. Topographic maps use contour lines to show different elevations on a map. A contour line is a type of isoline; in this case, a line of equal elevation. If you walk along a contour line you will not go uphill or downhill.

What is a contour plan?

Contour plans are a graphical representation of the lay of the land. They show the degree of slope on a site. They typically relate back to a site datum. This gives lines that represent each contour interval, eg RL 5.500.

What is the importance of contour lines?

These contour lines are an important way of showing the rise and fall of the land on a map. Contour lines show all the places that are the same height above sea level. They also tell us about the slope of the land. On a steep slope, the lines are close together.

How is relief determined?

Relief is the difference in elevation between two points. It is easily calculated by subtracting the lowest elevation from the highest elevation in an area. The maximum relief on a topographic map is the difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points on the map.

Who invented contour lines?

Charles Hutton

What is an advantage of using a topographic map?

Topographic maps are an important tool because they can represent the three-dimensional landscape in two dimensions. A person who can read a topo map can find out the location of peaks, valleys, ridges and saddles, among other land features.

What is the definition of depression contour?

Definition of depression contour. A closed contour, inside of which the ground or geologic structure is at a lower elevation than that outside, and distinguished on a map from other contour lines by hachures marked on the downslope or downdip side.

What does a map scale tell you?

Map scale refers to the relationship (or ratio) between distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground. For example, on a 1:100000 scale map, 1cm on the map equals 1km on the ground. For example, a 1:100000 scale map is considered a larger scale than a 1:250000 scale map.