1.16. Contouring

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a contour line?

   Hint

   Think about how we represent height on a flat surface.

2. 2.

   Define contour interval.

   Hint

   Consider how much elevation difference exists between each line.

3. 3.

   What does a contour line represent?

   • A specific location
   • Elevation
   • Water bodies

   Hint

   Think about how height differences are shown on maps.

4. 4.

   True or False: Contour intervals can be the same for all terrain types.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how steep mountainous areas might need different spacing.

5. 5.

   You are given a topographic map and need to estimate the area of a land parcel defined by given contour lines and offsets. Calculate the area using the trapezoidal method.

   Hint

   Remember how to apply the trapezoidal rule in summing areas.

6. 6.

   Analyze the contour lines on a given map and determine what kind of geological features are likely present. Justify your reasoning.

   Hint

   Relate characteristics of contour lines to specific landforms.