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On a topographic map, what does a contour line connect?

Points of equal elevation.

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  1. Points that are all at the same elevation ✔
  2. Points that are all the same distance from camp
  3. Points along the same hiking trail

Why: A contour line is an imaginary line joining points of equal height above sea level. Walk along one and you would never go uphill or downhill.

Huh, didn't know that: On USGS topo maps, contour lines are printed in brown.

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Contour lines are very level-headed.
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References

Answer: Points that are all at the same elevation. A contour line is an imaginary line joining points of equal height above sea level. Walk along one and you would never go uphill or downhill.

  1. USGS: Topographic Map Symbols pubs.usgs.gov/gip/TopographicMapSymbols/topomapsymbols.pdf
    Contours are imaginary lines that join points of equal elevation on the surface of the land
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Outdoors & CampingContour lines on your map are packed very close together. What does that mean?Outdoors & CampingWhat is the contour interval on a topographic map?Outdoors & CampingWhy do contour lines on a topo map never cross each other?

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