What are contour lines?

Contour lines are those magical lines that connect points of equal elevation on a map, creating an artistic representation of terrain. Imagine a rollercoaster—each twist and turn is depicted by these lines, showing how steep or gentle a slope is. When lines are close together, you’re in for a wild ride with steep terrain, while widely spaced lines indicate a more leisurely ascent. These lines aren’t just for impressing your friends with geography knowledge; they’re essential for understanding landscapes in fields like agriculture, urban planning, and even environmental studies. For hikers, knowing how to read contour lines can be the difference between a pleasant walk and a grueling trek up the mountain. So grab that map, and let those lines guide you!