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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scout-contour-interval

What is the contour interval on a topographic map?

The elevation difference between neighboring contour lines.

  1. The ground distance between neighboring contour lines
  2. How many contour lines fit in one inch
  3. The elevation difference between neighboring contour lines ✔

Why: The contour interval tells you how much higher or lower each line is than the next. It is printed in the map margin, so check it before judging how tall a hill is.

Huh, didn't know that: USGS says a map of flat land may use a contour interval of 10 feet or less, while mountain maps may use 100 feet or more.

The dad joke
Contour intervals are just elevation taking regular breaks.
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Sources

  1. USGS: Topographic Map Symbols https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/TopographicMapSymbols/topomapsymbols.pdf

Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingOn a topographic map, what does a contour line connect?Outdoors & CampingContour lines on your map are packed very close together. What does that mean?Outdoors & CampingWhy do contour lines on a topo map never cross each other?

That's stuff everyone should know.