Contour lines are curved, straight or a mixture of both lines on a map describing the intersection of a real or hypothetical surface with one or more horizontal planes.

contour line, a line on a map representing an imaginary line on the land surface, all points of which are at the same elevation above a datum plane, usually mean sea level.

DEFINITION: Contour lines connect points of equal elevation, showing how high or steep the terrain is on a map.

Each contour line represents a constant elevation above sea level, and together they sketch the invisible architecture of hills, ridges, basins, and plateaus. For centuries, surveyors and …

Every point on a contour line is of the exact same elevation. In other words, contour lines connect points of equal elevation. By definition, contour lines separate points of higher elevation from …

Jun 16, 2025 · A contour line is an imaginary line connecting points of equal elevation on a map, essentially representing the shape of the Earth’s surface at a specific level.

Contour lines are crucial in cartography because they allow us to represent 3D terrain on a 2D surface. Without them, maps would be flat and wouldn’t provide any information about the …

A contour line is a line on a map that connects points of equal elevation above a specific level, usually sea level. These lines are crucial for understanding the topography of an area, as they …

Contour lines are special lines on maps that show the shape and elevation of the land. Each contour line connects points that are at the same height above sea level.

Contour lines are what allow topographic maps to show the three-dimensional configuration (i.e., topography) of the Earth’s surface. Sea level is accepted worldwide as the zero contour line, …