kontuurjooni

Kontuurjooni is a Finnish term that translates to "contour lines" in English. In cartography and surveying, contour lines are a fundamental concept used to represent elevation on a two-dimensional map. They are imaginary lines drawn on a map connecting points of equal elevation above a given datum, usually sea level. The closer the contour lines are to each other, the steeper the slope of the terrain. Conversely, widely spaced contour lines indicate a gentle slope. Contour lines never cross or merge, as a single point cannot have two different elevations. They are typically depicted as brown or black lines on maps and are a crucial tool for understanding the topography of an area. By studying the pattern and spacing of contour lines, users can visualize hills, valleys, ridges, and other landforms. The interval between consecutive contour lines, known as the contour interval, is consistent across a given map and is usually stated in the map legend. Contour lines are essential for various applications including hiking, construction planning, geological surveys, and hydrological studies.