Property of a single contour line: On any one contour line shown on a landform drawing, do all points share the same elevation value?
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ACorrect: every point on one contour has the same elevation
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BIncorrect: elevation varies along the same contour
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CTrue only on maps smaller than 1:5000
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DTrue only when slopes exceed 45 degrees
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EUndetermined: depends on the map projection used
Answer
Correct Answer: Correct: every point on one contour has the same elevation
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Contours are fundamental to reading terrain in engineering drawings and topographic maps. Recognizing that a contour is an isoline of constant elevation enables quick interpretation of slopes, ridges, and depressions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- A contour line is defined as the locus of points of equal elevation.
- Contours are drawn at a fixed contour interval (e.g., 1 m, 5 ft).
- Map drafting adheres to standard cartographic conventions.
Concept / Approach:Because each contour corresponds to one specific elevation, any movement along that line keeps elevation constant. The spacing between contours communicates slope steepness: close spacing means steep slopes; wide spacing means gentle slopes. Special symbols indicate depressions or closed highs.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify contour labels on the map (e.g., 100 m, 105 m).Trace any single contour; all points on it share the labeled elevation.Use spacing between adjacent contours to infer slope.Verification / Alternative check:Check labeled index contours (heavier lines). Every unlabeled intermediate contour between two indices inherits a specific elevation according to the fixed interval; equality holds along each individual line.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Variation along the same contour (option B) contradicts the definition.
- Scale dependency (option C) is irrelevant; the property is definitional.
- Dependence on slope angle (option D) is incorrect.
- Map projection (option E) affects planimetric geometry, not the equality of elevation on one contour.
Common Pitfalls:Misreading adjacent contours as a single line; overlooking depression hachures that indicate lower elevation inside a closed loop.
Final Answer:Correct: every point on one contour has the same elevation