kontuurikartat

Kontuurikartat, literally "contour maps" in Finnish, are a type of geographic representation that illustrates elevation changes on a land surface using contour lines. Each line connects points of equal altitude, and the spacing between lines indicates steepness: close lines denote steep terrain, while widely spaced lines represent gentle slopes. By overlaying these lines on a map, readers can infer the shape of landscapes, such as hills, valleys, ridges, and plateaus, without the need for three‑dimensional models.

These maps are used in a variety of fields, including surveying, civil engineering, hiking, and environmental planning. They aid in route planning by showing potential obstacles and gradients, and help engineers assess drainage patterns and soil stability for construction projects. In recreational settings, hikers rely on kontuurikartat to estimate effort needed to ascend or descend a particular path. Additionally, urban planners use contour data to design infrastructure that considers natural water flow and to mitigate erosion.

Modern production of kontuurikartat typically begins with airborne or satellite elevation data, such as LiDAR or radar altimetry. The data are processed with geographic information system (GIS) software to generate precise contour lines at chosen intervals. Print and digital formats are common, with digital maps often interactive and layer‑capable. Historically, contour mapping emerged in the 19th century with the advent of accurate surveying tools and remains a cornerstone of geomatics today, providing a clear, standardized way to convey three‑dimensional terrain in a two‑dimensional format.