Why cant contour lines cross?!?
2007-10-28 12:50:40 · 3 answers · asked by @nim@l Lover 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
In most applications contour lines do not cross, but where contour lines represent elevation such as on a topographic map they can lie on top of each other where the surface being contoured is vertical.
There are possible situations, even for topographic maps, where contour lines can cross. For example, an overhang may require that the lower elevation contour cross the line of the higher elevation. In this situation it is the convention to make the lower contour lines dashed, rather than being a solid line.
See this page for an example:
http://geology.isu.edu/geostac/Field_Exercise/topomaps/topo_interp.htm
2007-10-28 13:51:38 · answer #1 · answered by carbonates 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A contour line marks a specific elevation above 0 or sea level (such as 400 meters). If two lines crossed, that point on the map would have TWO elevations.
2007-10-28 20:06:39 · answer #2 · answered by Howard H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can't cross because they show elevation---really, they don't NEED to cross, because something can't be high and low at the same time....hope this makes sense! :)
2007-10-29 12:56:47 · answer #3 · answered by Scottiegirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋