contour map: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Academic, Specialized
Quick answer
What does “contour map” mean?
A map showing the shape and elevation of land surface using lines (contours) connecting points of equal height.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A map showing the shape and elevation of land surface using lines (contours) connecting points of equal height.
Any two-dimensional graphical representation where lines connect points of equal value, used to depict continuous variables like temperature, pressure, or population density.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Terminology is identical in both cartographic and extended technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in UK and US academic/technical registers.
Grammar
How to Use “contour map” in a Sentence
CONTOUR MAP of [AREA/PHENOMENON]CONTOUR MAP showing [DETAIL]CONTOUR MAP with [INTERVAL/SPECIFICATION]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in contexts like property development, mining, or surveying reports.
Academic
Common in geography, earth sciences, environmental studies, and civil engineering courses and textbooks.
Everyday
Very rare; used mainly by hikers, orienteers, or in educational contexts.
Technical
The primary register. Standard term in cartography, geology, hydrology, meteorology (e.g., pressure contour map), and military planning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contour map”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contour map”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contour map”
- Using 'contour map' to refer to any map with lines (e.g., road maps). Confusing it with 'blueprint' or 'schematic'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost. A topographic map is a broader category that typically includes contour lines (making it a contour map) but also adds cultural features like roads and buildings. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably.
Yes. The principle extends to any continuous data. You can have a contour map of atmospheric pressure (isobar map), temperature (isotherm map), or even mathematical functions. These are all types of isoline maps.
Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope or rapid change in elevation/value. Widely spaced lines indicate a gentle slope or gradual change.
The contour interval is the constant difference in elevation or value between successive contour lines. It is always stated in the map's legend (e.g., 'Contour interval 10 metres').
A map showing the shape and elevation of land surface using lines (contours) connecting points of equal height.
Contour map is usually technical, academic, specialized in register.
Contour map: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.tɔː(r) ˌmæp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.tʊr ˌmæp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a mountain wearing a tight NET. The lines of the net are the CONTOURS, and if you flattened that net onto paper, you'd have a CONTOUR MAP.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LANDSCAPE IS A GRAPH; ELEVATION IS PRESSURE/QUANTITY (allowing extension to other isoline maps).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a standard contour map?