korkeuskäyrien

Korkeuskäyrät, also known as contour lines, are lines on a map that connect points of equal elevation. They are a fundamental tool in cartography and geography for representing the three-dimensional topography of the Earth's surface on a two-dimensional map. The closer the contour lines are to each other, the steeper the slope of the land. Conversely, widely spaced contour lines indicate a gentler slope or relatively flat terrain.

Each contour line is labeled with its elevation, typically in meters or feet above sea level. The difference in elevation between successive contour lines is called the contour interval. This interval is usually consistent across a map, but can vary depending on the scale of the map and the ruggedness of the terrain being depicted. For instance, maps of mountainous regions might have larger contour intervals than maps of flatter areas.

Korkeuskäyrät are essential for various purposes, including navigation, land surveying, urban planning, and environmental studies. They help hikers and climbers understand the difficulty of a route, assist engineers in designing infrastructure projects, and enable scientists to analyze drainage patterns and erosion. By visualizing changes in elevation, korkeuskäyrät provide a clear picture of the land's shape, its features like hills and valleys, and the overall relief of an area.