Topographic maps present a tapestry of curving lines that, at first glance, may seem like an intricate maze. Yet these contour lines are much more—they are the storytellers of the landscape, whispering secrets about elevation, slope, and the very shape of the earth beneath your feet. Contour lines can tell an informed reader many things about the shape of the land and its ruggedness. The closer contours are together the steeper the land and the further they are away from each other the flatter the land. Hills, slopes and mountains are represented on a map using contour lines. By studying the contour lines you can work out lots about the surrounding terrain including gradients of hills, valleys and steepness of climbs. The contour lines form a continuous line around the area and join at points of equal elevation. The use of contour lines, which are the distinguishing characteristic on topographic maps, quantitatively illustrates relief or elevation changes in a landscape as one of their fundamental functions. Contour lines are curved lines drawn on a topographic map that connect points of equal elevation. They show the height and shape of the land, such as hills, valleys, slopes, and flat areas.

On a topographic map, a steep slope is shown by contour lines that are close together, while a gradual slope is indicated by contour lines that are spaced further apart. explainer: The spacing of contour lines directly reflects the steepness of the land: Closer lines mean a rapid rise or fall, and wider spacing means a gentle incline. 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. In the simplest terms, contour lines are lines on a map that connect points of equal elevation. Imagine you’re on a mountain, and you walk around it at the same height without going up or down. 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.

-