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Definition
A contour line is a
line that passes
through points
having the same
elevation.*
0.75
Elevation = 200 - 200 - 150 x
2
200 - 50 x 0.375
= 200 - 18.75
= 181.25 or 181 ft
Slope from Contours
The percent slope can also be determined from the contour lines on a topo map.
Rise
% slope = x 100
Run
200 ft - 250 ft
% slope = x 100
2625 ft
= 1.9 %
Eleven (11) characteristics of contour lines
• No
• Contour 1040 is very unlikely
• This would only occur if there were a long vertical
wall.
2. Contour lines are parallel
• Two exceptions:
1. They will meet at a vertical cliff
2. They will overlap at a cave or
overhang.
A series of V-shapes
indicates a valley and the
V’s point to higher
elevation.
4. U shapes and ridge
A series of U shapes
indicates a ridge. The U
shapes will point to lower
elevation.
5. Contour Spacing
A series of closed
contours with
decreasing elevation
indicates a depression.
Depressions may be
identified with a “-”.
8. Hachures
Contours are
perpendicular to
maximum slope.
20 ? 17 ?
Defining An Object-Ditches
Entire ditch = ??
19
Interpolation
Interpolation
Note: that a dashed line has been drawn between the two points. In topographic
surveying it is assumed that the area between two measured stations is a plane.
Interpolating by Calculation
• Proportional distance is calculated using an equation.
102 - 100 2
Proporiton = = = 0.5
102 - 98 4
• The 100 foot contour line would be located 0.5 or half of the
distance between the two stations.
Interpolation by Calculation & Estimation
• The same equation is used for all grid distances and all contour
lines.
• Example: Determine the location of the 96 foot contour line for
the illustration.
HE - CE 99 - 96
Dist = = = 0.75
HE - LE 99 - 95
Interpolation by Calculation and Measurement
• Start by selecting an
contour interval and two
grid points.
• This example starts with
the 110 foot interval.
• The first step is to
calculate the position of
the 110 foot contour
between stations A1 and
A2.
HE - CE 125 - 110
% = = = 0.6
HE - LE 125 - 100
Interpolation by Calculation and measurement--cont.
The next step is to measure
and mark the position of
0.6.
HE - CE 112 110
Dist = 1 0 .167
HE - LE 112 100
HE - CE 112 - 110
dist = = = 0.182
HE - LE 112 - 101
HE - CE 112 - 110
Dist = = = 0.14
HE - LE 112 - 98
HE - CE 112 - 110
Dist = = = 0.167
HE - LE 112 - 100
HE - CE 112 - 110
Dist = = = 0.60
HE - LE 112 - 100
0 deg=N