Understanding Contour Lines
* Contour lines connect points of equal elevation. Think of them like the lines on a topographic map that show you where the land is the same height.
* Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope. The closer the lines, the steeper the incline or decline.
* Widely spaced contour lines indicate a gentle slope.
Determining Uphill and Downhill
1. Identify the contour lines: Look for the lines on the map that represent elevation.
2. Follow the direction of increasing elevation: If you see the numbers on the contour lines getting larger, you're moving uphill.
3. Follow the direction of decreasing elevation: If you see the numbers on the contour lines getting smaller, you're moving downhill.
Visualizing the Terrain
* Contour lines forming "V" shapes: When contour lines form a "V" shape, the point of the "V" points uphill. The opposite side of the "V" points downhill.
* Contour lines forming "U" shapes: When contour lines form a "U" shape, the open end of the "U" points uphill. The closed end of the "U" points downhill.
Example
Imagine you're standing on a contour line with the number 100. If the next contour line you see is numbered 105, you're moving uphill. If the next contour line you see is numbered 95, you're moving downhill.
Important Note: Contour maps are two-dimensional representations of three-dimensional terrain. While they provide a great deal of information about elevation and slope, they don't show you the actual shape of the land.
