Understanding Contour Lines and Heights

What do contour lines on a map represent?

• Different types of terrain

• Places at the same distance from the equator

• Places at the same height above sea level

• Temperature zones

Answer explanation

Contour lines join all places at the same elevation above sea level, helping to show the shape and elevation of the land.

What does the number on a contour line indicate?

• Distance from the nearest town

• Height in meters above sea level

• Soil type

• Population density

Answer explanation

The number on a contour line shows the elevation in meters above sea level, providing information about how high the land is.

What is a “spot height” on a map?

• A contour line with a label

• A symbol for a building

• A small black number showing the exact height of a point

• A warning sign for hazards

Answer explanation

Spot heights are specific points marked with their exact elevation, helping to give precise topographical information.

What does it mean when contour lines are spaced very far apart?

• The area has many hills

• The ground is flat

• There is a steep slope

• The area is underwater

Answer explanation

Widely spaced contour lines indicate a gentle slope or flat ground since elevation changes very little over distance.

What does it mean when contour lines are very close together?

• The ground is flat

• The area is a desert

• There is a steep slope

• The map is outdated

Answer explanation

When contour lines are close together, it means the elevation changes quickly over a short distance, indicating a steep slope.

What does the number 189 on the contour line tell you?

• The slope angle of 189 meters.

• The elevation of 189 meters above sea level.

• The age, 189 years of the terrain

• The distance 189 meters from the sea

Answer explanation

The number on a contour line shows elevation in metres above sea level.

How high is the church above sea level?

• 270 m

• 230 m

• 250 m

Answer explanation

Use the contour line closest to the church to determine elevation

If grid lines are 2 cm apart, what ground distance does this represent (1:25,000 scale)?

• 100 m

• 250 m

• 500 m

• 500 m

Answer explanation

A 1:25,000 scale means that 1 cm on the map = 25,000 cm in real life. So, 2 cm on the map = 2 × 25,000 cm = 50,000 cm. Convert to meters: 50,000 cm ÷ 100 = 500 meters

How high above sea level is Castlett Farm?

• 200 m

• 180 m

• 190 m

• 210 m

Answer explanation

Use the contour line closest to Castlett Farmto determine elevation.

From parking area in 0825 to Kineton in 0926, you are going:

• Uphill

• Downhill

Answer explanation

The nearest contour for parking in 0825 is 190m and Kineton in 0926 is 210. The contours rise in number, indicating uphill.