What Are the Lines on a Contour Map Called?

Contributor

By Prinalgin
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (1 Ratings)

Contour maps, also known as topographical maps, have lines called contour lines. These lines are used to allow a person to determine the elevation of points on the map. They are extremely useful in letting people decide if a certain region is suitable for activities such as hiking and backpacking. When using a contour map it is important to be able to envision a three-dimensional view of the area represented.

Types

A contour map
Contour maps come in different types. Some maps will depict a small area and are used by engineers and architects. Others can show a much larger region, such as an entire piece of property, a town, county, state, or even a continent. They let people get a general feel for the type of terrain they will encounter in a certain spot.

Function

A bathymetry map has contour lines that denote depth instead of elevation. They are maps of lakes, ponds and oceans. Bathymetry maps are extremely valuable to fishermen who need to be able to know how deep the water is where they are fishing. Ice fishermen in particular are fond of using this type of map. The contour lines will let them see how deep to set up their equipment in search of fish. These lines are also known as bathymetric contours.

Significance

The contour lines on a topographical map always represent an area of equal elevation. This means that if a contour map is drawn with a mountain or hill on it, any elevation will have its own contour line. The elevation will be printed next to the line or even on top of it. The elevation will change from one line to the next; contour lines close together indicate a steeper slope and lines that are further apart shows a gradual rise in elevation. Since these lines represent areas of equal height they will not overlap.

Geography

Contour maps can do much more than show the elevation of the area. They can show such geographical features as lakes and rivers, along with man-made structures such as canals, railroads and hiking trails--a real plus for those who are using them for this purpose to begin with. Some show campgrounds and rest areas as well.

Considerations

The colors of the contour lines on a topographical map are usually drawn in brown. Roads will be drawn in red and hiking trails depicted in black. Lakes, rivers, streams, brooks and ponds will be blue. On maps of bodies of water, the depths will be in black or blue.