Contour Lines Notes

Contour Lines

• Definition: Symbolic horizontal lines indicating height and shape of a slope.

• Provide information about height and shape of objects.

Contour Interval

• Height difference between each contour line, indicated in meters.

Slopes

• Steep Slope: Lines are very close together.
• Gentle Slope: Lines are further apart.
• Gradient: Difference in height between two points divided by the distance between the two points. It indicates how steep the slope is.

Cartographer

• A person who makes maps

Model

• Smaller realistic copy of a real object or feature

Spurs

• a mountain or hill that extends outward from the side of a mountain between valleys.

Valley

• a low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it.