Kontuurivahe

Kontuurivahe, also known as contour interval, is a term used in cartography and geographic information systems (GIS) to describe the vertical distance between adjacent contour lines on a topographic map. Contour lines are lines drawn on a map connecting points of equal elevation, and they are used to represent the shape and relief of the terrain. The contour interval is the difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines. For example, if the contour interval is 10 meters, then each contour line represents a 10-meter increase in elevation.

The choice of contour interval depends on the scale of the map and the relief of the terrain. Larger contour intervals are used for maps with smaller scales, while smaller intervals are used for maps with larger scales and more detailed relief. The contour interval is typically indicated on the map legend.

Contour lines that are close together indicate a steep slope, while lines that are far apart indicate a gentle slope. Contour lines that form a series of concentric circles around a point indicate a hill or a depression, with the point being the highest or lowest point, respectively. Contour lines that are parallel and evenly spaced indicate a uniform slope.

Contour lines can also be used to calculate the slope of a terrain. The slope can be calculated by dividing the rise (the difference in elevation between two points) by the run (the horizontal distance between the two points). The slope is typically expressed as a percentage or an angle.

In summary, kontuurivahe, or contour interval, is an important concept in cartography and GIS that helps to represent the shape and relief of the terrain on a map. The choice of contour interval depends on the scale of the map and the relief of the terrain, and it is typically indicated on the map legend. Contour lines can also be used to calculate the slope of a terrain.