what is the definition of contour interval?

Answer 1

Contour intervals are the change in value between two or more contour lines.

Most commonly, this is used for elevation maps, but contour maps can be made of almost type of value. On an elevation map, the contour interval might be 100 feet. As you move across the map, each contour line is going to be 100 feet higher or lower in elevation than the line next to it. On a topographic map where contour lines get closer together the area is much steeper. Where streams cut down through valleys the contours will often form v-shaped patterns that point upstream. Where contour lines run together, there is a vertical area or a cliff.

However, almost anything that has some sort of spatial arrangement can be represented with a contour map. For instance, you could make a contour map of population density that would show where the areas are that have the most people per square mile and the areas that have the fewest people. You could then make a contour map showing how many cases of tuberculosis were found per square mile, or anything you want that has some value that is spatially arranged. Contour maps are often used to map gravity differences from place to place. Contour maps are often used to represent air pressure, average temperatures, rainfall, etc. It used to be common to see barometric pressure contour maps on the evening weather reports, but tody they mostly use color contours and don't show the contour interval lines. The contour lines will represent a set change in value between those lines. Where they get closer together the value is changing faster .
Here is a simple and good explanation of elevation contour maps:
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/geology/leveson/core/linksa/elevation.html
Here are some contour maps of population density by elevation:
http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/~small/Pop/HypsoDemo/Bivariate.html


Here is very impressive and comprehensive list of types of contour lines and intervals:
http://phrontistery.info/contour.html

Here is a sea surface temperature contour map for North America:
http://polar.ncep.noaa.gov/sst/ophi/color_sst_NW_ophi0.gif

Answer 2

Contour Interval Definition

Answer 3

Define Contour Interval

Answer 4

Contour intervals are the spaces between the contour lines which connect areas of equal elevation on a map. The spaces represent changes in elevation. Depending on the map, the interval could be anywhere between 5 and 50 feet. The closer together the lines are, the sharper the elevation change (such as a cliff), and the farther apart the lines are, the less the elevation change (such as a meadow).

Answer 5

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Your question is flawed. Contour lines join points of equal elevations. By definition, contour lines would merge at a vertical cliff. Keep that definition going, and they would cross at an overhanging cliff at the point where the cliff is vertical. The number of crossed lines and the amount that the lines cross would depend on the contour interval and the amount of overhang. Cartographers rarely show this situation with crossed contour lines on real maps because it is confusing and extremely rare. Normally they prefer to leave a blank where the crossed lines should go to indicate very steep topography.

Answer 6

In cartography, a contour interval is any space between vertical lines on a topographic map or globe, representing a difference in elevation between the lines.

Small contour intervals are used for flat areas; larger intervals are used for mountainous terrain.

Answer 7

Contour interval-[Geog., etc] The distance between a contour line (Line made on a map joining points which are all at the same level measured from the sea level) and the one nearest to it, higher or lower.

Answer 8

RE:
what is the definition of contour interval?

Answer 9

contours are isolines on a map used to show elevation. the interval is how many units of measure (feet, km) between these lines.
lines close together indicate a steep elevation, lines far apart indicate flat land.