contour line

USAGE SUMMARY

"contour line" is an appropriate and often used term in written English.
It is a noun used to refer to a line drawn on a map that connects points with the same elevation (or height) above sea level. For example, "The contour lines on the map are a useful tool to help us determine the elevation of the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The charcoal contour line is firm yet supple, the shading tender.

The New York Times - Arts

Applied and worked with his fingers, the mud assumed contour, line and form.

The New York Times - Arts

The line would follow a particular elevation — ten feet above sea level — much like a contour line on a map.

The New Yorker

The Teaching Wall, which follows a contour line, is still the dominating presence, and the sheen produced by skilled casting is still visible.

The Guardian

The contour line interval is 0.5 m.

Earth, Planets and Space

The white contour line corresponds to the PIL.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Area: Number of pixels within the object's contour line.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

Therefore, we have to determine this contour line first.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The red line marks the extracted organism's contour line.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

The green contour line is defined by (P_{3}=99%).

EPJ Quantum Technology

Success with high probability is observed below a contour line.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing terrain, use "contour lines" to clearly indicate lines connecting points of equal elevation on a map or model.

Common error

Avoid using "contour line" in contexts where you are simply referring to any line defining a shape or boundary. Ensure it's specifically related to lines of equal elevation or a similar scalar value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contour line" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a common noun, referring to a specific type of line on a map or diagram. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes a line connecting points of equal elevation or value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

83%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contour line" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term, primarily within scientific and cartographic contexts. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples showcasing its use. It refers to a line connecting points of equal elevation or value, aiding in the visualization and analysis of data. While versatile, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring the context aligns with representing consistent scalar values, especially elevation. Related phrases like "elevation contour" and "isohypse" offer more specific nuances for elevation representation, while "isoline" broadens the application to other scalar quantities. The most frequent usage is in scientific sources, reflecting its technical nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Elevation contour

Specifies that the contour refers to elevation, emphasizing the height aspect.

Topographic contour

Emphasizes that the contour is related to topography, the shape and features of the Earth's surface.

Isohypse

A more technical synonym specifically used in cartography and meteorology to denote a line of equal elevation.

Level line

Highlights the aspect of the line representing a constant level, differing from general contours.

Contour interval

Refers to the vertical distance between contour lines, focusing on the spacing rather than the line itself.

Isoline

A general term for a line connecting points of equal value, broader than just elevation contours.

Form line

A line resembling a contour line but less accurate, often sketched without precise elevation data.

Boundary line

Indicates a border or limit, which can be a contour in specific contexts but isn't always elevation-based.

Outline

A general term for the outer edge of a shape, less specific than a contour related to elevation.

Cross-sectional profile

Describes a slice through a terrain showing elevation changes, not just a single contour line.

FAQs

How is a "contour line" used in cartography?

In cartography, a "contour line" is used to represent points of equal elevation on a map, providing a visual representation of the terrain's shape. The spacing between "contour lines" indicates the steepness of the slope.

What are some synonyms for "contour line"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "contour line" include "isohypse" (specifically for elevation), "level line", and, more broadly, "isoline" if referring to lines of equal value for other scalar quantities.

What does a close spacing of "contour lines" indicate?

Closely spaced "contour lines" indicate a steep slope, as the elevation changes rapidly over a short horizontal distance. Widely spaced "contour lines" indicate a gentle slope.

Can "contour lines" represent something other than elevation?

Yes, while commonly used for elevation, "contour lines" (or more generally, isolines) can represent other scalar values such as temperature (isotherms), pressure (isobars), or population density. The key is that the line connects points of equal value for a given variable.