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Contours

Contour lines represent elevations on maps. They never split or cross except over cliffs or caves. Uniformly spaced lines indicate gradual slopes, while lines closer together signify steeper grades. Convex slopes have contours farther apart uphill, while concave slopes have contours closer together uphill. Valleys are shown by uphill-pointing contours and ridges by downhill-pointing contours. Closed contours indicate summits or depressions. Drainage flows perpendicular to the contours.

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Divya Gor
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83 views12 pages

Contours

Contour lines represent elevations on maps. They never split or cross except over cliffs or caves. Uniformly spaced lines indicate gradual slopes, while lines closer together signify steeper grades. Convex slopes have contours farther apart uphill, while concave slopes have contours closer together uphill. Valleys are shown by uphill-pointing contours and ridges by downhill-pointing contours. Closed contours indicate summits or depressions. Drainage flows perpendicular to the contours.

Uploaded by

Divya Gor
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Contour Lines

Contour Standards

Uniform Slopes

Convex Slopes

Concave Slopes

Valleys

Ridges

Summits and Depressions

A. All points on a contour have the same elevation. B. Contour lines never split, although two identically numbered contours may appear side by side, at the top of a ridge or bottom of a valley.

C. Contour lines never cross, except where there is an overhanging cliff, a cave, or similar configuration.
D. Equally spaced contours indicate a uniform sloping surface. E. Contours spaced close together indicate a steep slope. F. Contours spaced far apart indicate a slight grade. G. Contours spaced at increasing intervals (further apart) going uphill indicate a convex slope.

Contour Characteristics

H. Contours spaced at decreasing intervals (closer together) going uphill indicate a concave slope. I. Valleys are indicated by contours pointing uphill. J. Ridges are indicated by contours pointing downhill. K. A contour that closes on itself within the map area is either a summit or a depression.

L. Contours that run in straight parallel lines indicate a plane surface.


M. Drainage always occurs perpendicular to the contours, because this is the shortest distance and hence the steepest route of travel.

Contour Characteristics

Representing Topography

Slope Percentage

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