How do you analyze contour data?

Answer 1

Your question is very broad, but I will attempt to answer it. If I don't give you the answer you are looking for, then perhaps you can resubmit it, with a more specifics.

Please see the related link

Generally, we obtain information from a contour map (a map with contour lines). The most common map is an elevation map, showing the height of a surface above a common datum (usually sea level).

However, many types of data can be measured and contour maps developed from the data. Temperature and atmospheric pressure data can be contoured. Of course, it changes from day to day, so our map may be good for only one specific time period.

See the related link for more on the different contour map.

Contour maps are a means of understanding our data, and obtaining relavent information quickly. We can see regions of high and low values. If we are looking at an elevation map, these are the highest and lowest areas of a given region.

If the countour lines are close together, this shows a high gradient or slope. For example, if our elevation map shows contours close together, this is area where the ground is sloping up or down.

We can make calculations of areas and volumes. For example, we can estimate the area where the elevation is between two numbers, say 50 to 60 ft above sea level.

Sometimes, to obtain accurate estimates of areas and volumes, we need to input the contour map into the computer, and let it make the calculations.