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They can't make a map unreliable unless they have been plotted inaccurately. Assuming correct measurement and plotting, as we normally can with a reputable map, the countours are within the measurement tolerance but can't show fine detail between them. Normally that does not matter of course because the natural land surface is irregular anyway within the general form traced by the contours.

Therefore the contours represent a smoothed plot of the slope; but they cannot be said to make the map unreliable.

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What is its contour interval?

The contour interval is the vertical distance or difference in elevation between successive contour lines on a map. It indicates how much elevation changes from one contour line to the next, helping to represent the terrain's steepness and relief. A smaller contour interval indicates a more detailed representation of the terrain, while a larger interval simplifies the landscape. The specific contour interval can vary depending on the scale and purpose of the map.


How is a contour line different from a contour interval?

The contour lines on a map indicate changes in elevation above sea level (or below, occasionally). The amount of change in elevation between lines is shown on the map legend, and will vary depending on the size of the map and the type of terrain.


What is the formula to work out a contour interval of a map?

The formula to calculate the contour interval of a map is the difference in elevation between two contour lines divided by the number of contour lines crossed. This provides the elevation change between each contour line on the map.


What is the reason that the contour interval used on a map of a mountain might be different from the contour interval used on a map of a plan?

The contour interval on a map of a mountain is often smaller to provide a more detailed representation of steep elevations and intricate terrain changes, allowing for better understanding of the landscape. In contrast, a map of a plain may use a larger contour interval, as the terrain is relatively flat and less variable, making finer details less necessary. The choice of contour interval depends on the topography and the level of detail required for effective navigation or analysis.


Is a contour interval for a given topographic map always the same?

No, the contour interval can vary between different topographic maps based on the scale and detail of the map. Smaller scale maps may have larger contour intervals, while larger scale maps may have smaller contour intervals to show more detailed elevation changes.

Related Questions

How do you find the contour interval on the map?

Notice the pattern around that contour line. Then determine the interval that the surrounding contour lines are increasing or decreasing by. Ex. 50 100 150 200, the contour interval would then be 50


What is the relationship between the relief of an area and the contour interval on a map of the area?

The Relationship between the relief of an area and the contour interval on a map of the area is A contour line


How do you find the contour interval?

To find the contour interval on a topographic map, look for the difference in elevation between adjacent contour lines. The contour interval is usually given in the map's legend and represents the vertical distance between each contour line.


On a topographic map the difference in elevation between one contour line and the next is the?

contour interval. It represents the vertical distance between each contour line on the map. This interval is typically consistent across the map and can vary based on the scale of the map and the type of terrain being represented.


The difference in elevation between the highest and lowest contour lines on a topographical map is called?

The difference in elevation between the highest and lowest contour lines on a topographical map is called a contour interval.


What are the difference's between contour interval and index contour?

A contour interval is the vertical distance between contour lines on a topographic map, representing the change in elevation. An index contour is a heavier contour line that is labeled with the elevation value, to help users quickly identify key elevations on the map.


What is its contour interval?

The contour interval is the vertical distance or difference in elevation between successive contour lines on a map. It indicates how much elevation changes from one contour line to the next, helping to represent the terrain's steepness and relief. A smaller contour interval indicates a more detailed representation of the terrain, while a larger interval simplifies the landscape. The specific contour interval can vary depending on the scale and purpose of the map.


How is a contour line different from a contour interval?

The contour lines on a map indicate changes in elevation above sea level (or below, occasionally). The amount of change in elevation between lines is shown on the map legend, and will vary depending on the size of the map and the type of terrain.


What is the definition of a contour interval?

The definition of a contour interval is the difference in elevation between two consecutive lines.


What is the formula to work out a contour interval of a map?

The formula to calculate the contour interval of a map is the difference in elevation between two contour lines divided by the number of contour lines crossed. This provides the elevation change between each contour line on the map.


Why are contour interval on a topographic map of a mountainous area usually large?

Contour intervals on a topographic map of mountainous areas are usually large because the terrain is more rugged and the elevation changes are more pronounced. A larger contour interval helps to simplify the representation of complex topography and make the map easier to read and interpret.


What is the difference between any two contour lines on a map?

Contour lines on a map represent points of equal elevation. The difference in elevation between any two contour lines is called the contour interval, which is usually indicated on the map legend. By knowing the contour interval, you can determine the steepness of the terrain in that specific area.