1. Mr. Tilt’s Fantastic Geography Class
Contour Lines
Mr. Tilt’s Fantastic Geography Class

2. What do contours show?

3. Contour Rules
Every point on a contour is the exact same elevation – contour lines connect points of similar elevation
The elevation between two adjacent contour lines of different elevation on a topographic map is the contour interval (1 m, 5 m 10 m)
Contour lines only merge when there is a vertical cliff

4. What do contours show?

5. The closer the lines are together, the steeper the slope, the farther they are apart, the gentler the slope.
Contour lines form a V pattern when crossing a stream or slope. The V always points upstream
Exact elevation on the topographical map is given by the use of a BENCH MARK (BM or x . or

7. Now lets try this on our own!