Contour Interpretation

Vocabulary flashcards for terms related to contour interpretation and relief representation.

Topography/Hypsography

The configuration and roughness of the ground, indicating whether the ground is flat, hilly, or in between.

Hachures

Small lines drawn to represent slopes, with thicker lines for steeper slopes and thinner lines for gentle slopes.

Contours

Imaginary lines connecting places having the same elevation above mean sea level, usually drawn in brown.

Index Contour

A contour line containing the elevation tag, usually drawn thicker than other contour lines.

Contour Interval

The vertical distance between two adjacent contours.

Form Lines

Lines representing features in an estimated manner, shown by broken lines.

Layer Coloring (Layer Tinting)

A method showing relief in layers, with each layer assigned a different color.

Hill Shading

A method of representing relief on a map by depicting shadows cast by elevated areas.

Spot Heights

Heights of places surveyed, denoting the actual height above mean sea level, usually represented with a dot and elevation.

Depression Contour

A contour forming a closed loop around lower ground, indicated by hachure marks on the downhill side.

Supplemental Contours

Contours used when the elevation change is minimal, drawn in broken or dashed lines between intermediate contours.

Approximate Contours

Contours drawn when accuracy cannot be determined, based on educated guesses of the map maker.

Grid Method

A method of locating contours by dividing an area into squares or rectangles and determining elevations at intersection points.

Controlling Points Method

A method suitable for large areas and small scales, reliant on the surveyor's knowledge to identify key ground points.

Cross-Section Method

A method suitable for preparing strip maps by taking cross sections at right angles to a centerline or baseline.

Tracing Contours Method

A method used when the exact location of a particular contour line is required, often performed with a plane table.