Contour interval is a fundamental concept in cartography, geography, and archaeology, referring to the vertical distance or difference in elevation between successive contour lines on a map. It is essential for interpreting topographic maps and reconstructing landscapes.
🌍 Definition
- Contour Interval: The consistent elevation difference between adjacent contour lines on a map.
- Purpose: Provides a measure of terrain steepness and relief.
🔑 Characteristics
- Uniform Value: All contour lines on a given map are spaced at the same vertical interval (e.g., 10 meters).
- Steep Slopes: Contour lines appear close together.
- Gentle Slopes: Contour lines are spaced farther apart.
- Selection: The chosen interval depends on map scale and terrain—smaller intervals for flat areas, larger intervals for mountainous regions.
📚 Anthropological & Archaeological Significance
- Site Location: Helps archaeologists identify settlement patterns, defensive positions, or agricultural terraces.
- Landscape Reconstruction: Used to model ancient environments, water flow, and land use.
- Accessibility Studies: Contour intervals reveal how terrain influenced movement, trade, and communication.
- Cultural Context: Many societies adapted architecture and agriculture to contour-based landscapes (e.g., terraced farming in the Andes).
🛠 Examples
- Topographic Map of a Valley: Contour interval of 5 meters shows gentle slopes suitable for farming.
- Mountainous Region: A 20-meter contour interval highlights steep terrain and potential defensive sites.
- Archaeological Survey: Contour intervals used to locate ancient irrigation canals or mound structures.
In short: A contour interval is the vertical spacing between contour lines on a map, crucial for understanding terrain, landscape use, and archaeological site placement.
