Article
Article
Contour
Article By:
Dodds, Robert H. Formerly, Gibbs and Hill, Inc., New York, New York.
Last reviewed:November 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.159500
The locus of points of equal elevation used in topographic mapping. Contour lines represent a uniform series of elevations, the difference in elevation between adjacent lines being the contour interval of the given map. Thus, contours represent the shape of terrain on the flat map surface (see illustration). Closely spaced contours indicate steep ground; sparseness or absence of contours indicates gentle slope or flat ground. Contours do not cross each other unless there is an overhang. See also: Topographic surveying and mapping
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