Konturkarten

Konturkarten are cards that present the contour of an object, region, or symbol as an outline. They may show a bold outline on a blank field or provide only the silhouette without internal details, enabling users to recognize and reproduce shapes. Some variants include tactile textures to support touch-based exploration.

In education they are used to teach shape recognition, handwriting, geometry, and geography. By working with contours, learners compare forms, study symmetry, and practice contour drawing. In geography, simplified contour cards introduce map-reading concepts such as borders and coastline shapes.

In design and art, Konturkarten help analyze silhouette and negative space, supporting composition studies. In accessibility contexts, tactile Konturkarten with raised outlines or textured surfaces make shapes available to people who are blind or have low vision.

Manufacture and formats vary from printed cards on sturdy stock to laminated reusable sets. Digital variants use vector outlines and interactive features such as labeling, color-coding, and scalable sizes for different ages and curricula.

The term derives from Kontur meaning contour and Karte meaning card. The concept overlaps with Konturkarten in cartography (contour maps) and with silhouette studies in art and education. Related topics include Konturkarte and silhouette analysis.