Background Information for Making a Contour Map on Your School Playground
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Definitions
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Contour Lines - a line connecting points of equal elevation.
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Contour Interval - the vertical distance between one contour line and the
next above it or uphill from it. For contour lines on a map to tell you
about the ground, they must be spaced so that the vertical distances between
the lines are equal.
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Elevation - the term that states how many feet or meters that point or
line is above the level of the sea. For instance, the Billings, Montana
airport is at an elevation of 3,606 feet above sea level.
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Topographic map - a map that shows the hills and valleys of an area by
showing the contour lines.
Basic rules of contour lines
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A contour line must never split or divide.
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A contour line must never simply end except at the edge of the map.
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A contour line must represent one and only one elevation.
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A contour line may never intersect other contour lines. Overhanging cliffs
are the only exception.
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Contour lines from a V-pattern crossing stream always points upstream.
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Closely spaced contour lines represent a steep slope, widely spaced lines
indicate a gentle slope.
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Concentric circles of contour lines indicate a hilltop or mountain peak.
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Concentric circles of hachured contour lines indicate a closed depression.
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