Contour Lines

Contour lines give a whole other dimension to maps. They take a plane old boring one dimensional map and turn it into a glamorous three dimensional model.

1. One contour line on a map is a single elevation. That is, the contour line is the same elevation where ever it is on the map. It may wind all over the place, but it always stays the same elevation. If you follow the dark brown contour lines(every five), you will find the elevation written on the dark brown line.

2. Contour Interval is the distance(usually feet) between the contour lines. If you look on the bottom of the map, near the legend, you will see what the contour interval is (its different on all maps, depending on the scale, but mostly its 40 feet).

3. The closer the contour line are together, the steeper the climb. If they are really close together or are overlapping, you'll find an abrupt drop like a cliff. The farther apart, the easier the walk. Plan accordingly.

 

An example of contour lines, notice the elvation difference between 3000 and 3600