Höjdkurva

Höjdkurva is a Swedish term that translates to "height curve" or "altitude curve" in English. It is most commonly used in the context of geography and cartography to represent elevation changes on a map. A höjdkurva, often referred to as a contour line, is a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal elevation. These lines are fundamental for understanding the topography of an area, illustrating features such as mountains, valleys, hills, and plains.

The closer the höjdkurvor are to each other on a map, the steeper the slope of the terrain. Conversely, widely spaced höjdkurvor indicate a gentler slope. The interval between consecutive höjdkurvor is known as the contour interval, and this value is typically indicated on the map's legend. Different maps may use different contour intervals depending on the scale and the terrain being represented. For example, maps of mountainous regions will often have a smaller contour interval to show finer details of the elevation.

Höjdkurvor are essential tools for various applications, including hiking, navigation, land surveying, and urban planning. They provide a visual representation of the three-dimensional landscape on a two-dimensional surface, allowing users to gauge inclines, plan routes, and assess potential hazards or opportunities related to elevation. In some contexts, the term might also be used more broadly to describe a graph or chart showing how height changes over distance or time.