What information do contour lines convey on a map?

What information do contour lines convey on a map?

• A. Road networks and water features.
• B. Elevation and terrain relief; spacing shows slope steepness.
• C. Vegetation types and land use.
• D. Population density and political boundaries.

Answer: (D)

Contour lines show elevation and terrain relief. Each line marks points at the same height above a reference level, so you can read the shape of the land—the hills, valleys, and ridges. The spacing between lines tells you how steep the slope is: lines close together indicate steep terrain, while lines spaced farther apart indicate gentler slopes. The pattern of lines, including closed loops for peaks or depressions and the labeled elevations on some lines, helps you interpret the overall terrain. Other features like roads, water features, vegetation, population density, and political boundaries are shown with different symbols, colors, or boundaries, not contour lines.

Contour lines show elevation and terrain relief. Each line marks points at the same height above a reference level, so you can read the shape of the land—the hills, valleys, and ridges. The spacing between lines tells you how steep the slope is: lines close together indicate steep terrain, while lines spaced farther apart indicate gentler slopes. The pattern of lines, including closed loops for peaks or depressions and the labeled elevations on some lines, helps you interpret the overall terrain. Other features like roads, water features, vegetation, population density, and political boundaries are shown with different symbols, colors, or boundaries, not contour lines.