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.

Understanding contour lines is like reading the earth’s surface. In this guide, we’ll dive into what contour lines are and how you can read them. In the simplest terms, contour lines are lines on …

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

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 …

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.

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 …

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.