Elevation and Contours

Topography, or the shape of the Earth’s surface, is mapped and displayed on topographical maps. Contour lines, or lines that connect points of equal elevation, are drawn on a topographical map in order to quantify the elevation at any point on the map. Where contour lines are spaced closely together it means that the topography is very steep.  Where the lines are spaced farther apart it means that the terrain is more gently sloping. Furthermore, maps are colour coded to easily distinguish high terrain and improve situational awareness.