Contour lines and relief in 3D

A 3D landscape beside its contour map. Change the contour interval and see how closely spaced contours mean steep ground, and how valleys and spurs look on a map.

Works in metric or imperial units.

Learn contours properly

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Questions students ask

What do close contour lines mean?

A steep slope: the height changes a lot over a short distance.

How can you tell a valley from a spur on a contour map?

Contours in a V or U pointing uphill show a valley; pointing downhill they show a spur.

Free notes on contours

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