Contour Lines

Expert’s Picks: Contour Lines

What Is Meant by a Contour Interval on a Topographic Map?

A contour line represents a specific elevation above sea level. The interval between contour lines represents the difference in elevation between the two. Many different features in the land can be shown by the representation of contour lines and intervals. read more
How to Read Topographical Maps

Topographical maps display surface features of the Earth. In addition to bodies of water, roads, buildings and rail lines, they use contour lines to describe elevation. There are two distinct parts of a topographical map: the map face which displays a representation of the Earth's surface, and the map margin which presents information relating to the map fac… read more
What is Meant by the Contour Interval on a Topographical Map?

A topographical map shows the land features of a set area, including bodies of water, forest cover and elevation. Because a map is two-dimensional, topographical maps illustrate elevation with contour intervals, or lines that connect points that are at the same height. read more
Three Types of Contour Lines Found on a Topographical Map

A topographical map depicts change in elevation and the shape of landforms through the creation of contour lines. A contour line is a continuous line drawn at precisely the same elevation above sea level (i.e. 1,000 feet in elevation). Often contour lines will form concentric shapes around each other. Following are the essentials of the three types of contou… read more
The Definition of a Topographic Map

A topographic map (along with a compass) is an essential tool for orienteering, or navigating cross country in the wilderness. Even if you never plan to leave the trail, a topographical map allows you to read the landscape and know whether the terrain ahead is hilly or flat. read more

Related Contour Lines Articles & Videos

How to Read Topographic Maps

Sometimes using topographic maps is far superior to standard maps. These maps do not show you the locations of towns and other points of interest, they show you the topography of the landscape. What that means is that these maps show y… read more
What do Topographic Maps Show

Topographic maps give a reader much more detail about terrain than other maps, which is one reason why they are growing in popularity. Unlike a regular map, a topographic (or "topo," for short) map can show features on the ground, both… read more
Compass Terminology

Knowing the territory is crucial to navigation. When using a compass, knowing your terminology is just as important. Once you define your terms, the concepts fall into place, and you are ready to take off into the world of terrestrial… read more
How to Use a Topographic Map

Being able to read a topographical map (one that depicts the shape of the Earth's surface) means you will have the knowledge to navigate a world of off-trail areas and backcountry wilderness. Using a topographical map is indispensable… read more
Definition of a Topographic Map

Topographic maps show two-dimensional surfaces of man-made and natural features. Using contour lines, names, shapes and shading; the topographic map is an essential tool for those making their way through the outdoors. read more
How to Read a Topographic Map

United States Geological Survey topographic maps contain information about the terrain and land features of a particular area. Understanding how to interpret a topographical map can provide important information for hikers, hunters or… read more
How to Read a Lake Map

Professional lake maps provide a wealth of essential information for both anglers and recreational boaters, including water depths, hazardous underwater structures and preferable channels through which to travel. Learning how to read a… read more
How to Make a Topographic Map

Topographical maps show changes in elevation. They show the shape of major features like mountains and rivers, and provide invaluable information to hikers, kayakers and other outdoor enthusiasts. A topographic map will help you evalua… read more
How to Make Topographical Relief Maps

A topographical relief map is halfway between a map and a model. Instead of using contour lines to show elevation changes, a relief map actually has raised and lowered sections to model mountains, valleys, rivers and other features. A… read more
How to Use TOPO Maps

A topo map, short for topographical map, can be intimidating upon first glance. These maps contain a wealth of information about the land features of a particular area. Thanks to contour lines, which show elevation, a flat topo map giv… read more
What Is a Topographic Map?

A topographical map is a detailed map designed to show land features that help with navigating undeveloped terrain. The United States Geologic Survey is the main producer of "topo" maps in the US. read more
What Is a Topographical Map?

Topographic maps are a type of map established and maintained by the United States Geology Society and other private educational establishments worldwide. Topographic maps differ slightly from standard maps and can be found on the USGS… read more
Walleye Fishing Tips for Cloudy Water

Also known as pickerel, jackfish, dore and walleyed pike, walleye are a game fish stocked in nearly every state in the United States and in much of Canada. Walleyes have excellent eyes and are quite light sensitive, often seeking out d… read more
How to Create a Topographic Map

Whether you are planning a mountain climbing expedition, an extended backwoods hiking trip or just a relaxing afternoon walk in the woods with your family, a topographic map can help you prepare. Topographical maps show you natural fea… read more
Fishing & Recreational Maps

A recreation map can be an invaluable tool for an angler. It gives him a more detailed understanding of the layout, say, of a woodland lake than can visual reconnaissance alone: the topography of its floor and the location of sunken lo… read more

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