Contour Map Interpretation Concepts

The video tutorial by John from the Columbia River Orienteering Club explains how to read contour lines on maps. It covers basic contour rules, such as the relationship between line spacing and terrain steepness, and how to identify features like gullies, spurs, summits, NES, saddles, and plateaus. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of checking contour intervals and provides practical examples to help viewers understand terrain features and choose travel routes.

What is the primary purpose of contour lines on a map?

• To indicate the type of vegetation

• To show constant elevation

• To mark political boundaries

• To display weather patterns

How can you determine if a terrain is steep or flat using contour lines?

• By the color of the lines

• By the thickness of the lines

• By the direction of the lines

• By the distance between the lines

Why is it important to check the contour interval on a map?

• To understand the map's scale

• To determine the map's age

• To assess the steepness of the terrain

• To find the map's orientation

What happens to contour lines when they cross a gully?

• They form a circle

• They bend to point uphill

• They remain straight

• They bend to point downhill

How do contour lines behave when crossing a spur?

• They form a zigzag pattern

• They bend to point uphill

• They bend to point downhill

• They become dotted lines

What feature is represented by a series of concentric circles on a contour map?

• A summit

• A saddle

• A plateau

• A valley

What is a noll on a contour map?

• A flat plain

• A large mountain

• A localized high point

• A deep valley

How can you identify a saddle on a contour map?

• By looking for a series of concentric circles

• By identifying a steep slope with close contour lines

• By finding a low point between two higher points

• By locating a flat area with few contour lines

What characterizes a plateau on a contour map?

• Concentric circles

• A single contour line

• Dense contour lines on top

• Few contour lines on top and dense on sides

Which contour rule states that lines bend uphill when crossing a creek?

• Rule number two

• Rule number four

• Rule number three

• Rule number one