Höhenlinien

Höhenlinien, also known as contour lines, are lines on a map drawn to connect points of equal elevation above a given level, usually sea level. They are a fundamental tool in cartography and geography for representing the topography or relief of a land surface. The interval between successive Höhenlinien, known as the contour interval, is consistent for a given map and is typically indicated in the map's legend. This interval dictates the level of detail with which the terrain's elevation is depicted.

The spacing of Höhenlinien provides visual cues about the steepness of the terrain. Closely spaced lines indicate a steep slope, as a significant change in elevation occurs over a short horizontal distance. Conversely, widely spaced lines suggest a gentle slope or relatively flat ground. When Höhenlinien form closed loops, they represent hills or depressions. An inward-pointing "V" shape in the Höhenlinien often signifies a valley, with the point of the "V" facing uphill. Ridgelines are typically indicated by outward-pointing "V" shapes.

Accurate interpretation of Höhenlinien is crucial for various applications, including land surveying, civil engineering, hiking, and environmental planning. They allow users to visualize and understand the three-dimensional shape of the land on a two-dimensional surface, aiding in decision-making related to land use, construction, and natural resource management. Specialized software and techniques are employed to generate and analyze Höhenlinien data from sources like digital elevation models (DEMs).