How to Read Contour Lines on Topographic Maps

Contour lines are used on topographic maps to represent the shape and elevation of the land. Each line connects points of equal elevation, helping you visualize hills, valleys, and slopes even though the map is flat.

Here’s how to interpret them:

1 - Closed circles or ovals represent hills or mountains. The smallest, innermost circle shows the highest point, while each outer ring indicates a lower elevation.

→ On the right side of the image, this appears as a rounded hill.

2 - Tightly spaced lines indicate a steep slope, while widely spaced lines show a gentle slope.

→ The closer the lines are together, the steeper the terrain.

3 - Two sets of closed loops side by side suggest two nearby hills or peaks.

→ In profile, this looks like two humps or small mountains.

4 - Elongated or teardrop-shaped loops show a ridge or slope that descends gradually in one direction.

→ On the right, this is seen as a hill sloping smoothly downward.

5 - Depressions or valleys between loops indicate low areas between elevations, often shown as saddles between two peaks.

→ These appear as dips between higher areas on the terrain profile.

In short, contour lines turn flat maps into 3D landscapes, letting you “see” the rise and fall of the land. Learning to read them helps hikers, geographers, and explorers understand terrain shapes, plan routes, and anticipate elevation changes.