Property of a single contour line: On any one contour line shown on a landform drawing, do all points share the same elevation value?

Difficulty: Easy

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

More Questions from Landform Drawings

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion