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What is the contour interval on a topographic map?

The elevation difference between neighboring contour lines.

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  1. The ground distance between neighboring contour lines
  2. How many contour lines fit in one inch
  3. The elevation difference between neighboring contour lines ✔

Why: The contour interval tells you how much higher or lower each line is than the next. It is printed in the map margin, so check it before judging how tall a hill is.

Huh, didn't know that: USGS says a map of flat land may use a contour interval of 10 feet or less, while mountain maps may use 100 feet or more.

The dad joke
Contour intervals are just elevation taking regular breaks.
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References

Answer: The elevation difference between neighboring contour lines. The contour interval tells you how much higher or lower each line is than the next. It is printed in the map margin, so check it before judging how tall a hill is.

  1. USGS: Topographic Map Symbols pubs.usgs.gov/gip/TopographicMapSymbols/topomapsymbols.pdf
    The elevation difference between adjacent contour lines, called the contour interval
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Outdoors & CampingOn a topographic map, what does a contour line connect?Outdoors & CampingWhy might the declination printed on an old topo map be wrong today?Outdoors & CampingContour lines on your map are packed very close together. What does that mean?

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