contour line, a line on a map representing an imaginary line on the land surface, all points of which are at the same elevation above a datum plane, usually mean sea level. The diagram illustrates how contour lines show relief by joining points of equal elevation. ... Numbers on the lines give the height in feet.

What contour lines mean?

A contour line is a line drawn on a topographic map to indicate ground elevation or depression. A contour interval is the vertical distance or difference in elevation between contour lines. ... If the numbers associated with specific contour lines are increasing, the elevation of the terrain is also increasing.

What are contour lines examples?

In cartography, a contour line (often just called a "contour") joins points of equal elevation (height) above a given level, such as mean sea level. A contour map is a map illustrated with contour lines, for example a topographic map, which thus shows valleys and hills, and the steepness or gentleness of slopes.