Contours turn a flat map into a picture of height. This hub shows how slope, shape, cross-sections and route choice link together, and where to begin.
It is part of map and graph skills in SPM Geography. The broader companion is interpreting contours and relief.
How do the lessons connect?
Each lesson adds one idea to the last, so follow the order below.
- Inferring slope steepness from contour spacing: spacing gives steepness.
- Distinguishing a valley from a ridge: shape gives landform.
- Drawing a cross-section: heights and distances give a profile.
- Explaining a route choice: slope and landform give a reasoned choice.
The practice set mixes all four.
One small example of a full reading
This is a worked example. A map at 1:25 000 has a contour interval of 20 m. Two contours near a stream are 0.8 cm apart on the north side and 3.2 cm apart on the south side of a hill.
- Spacing: 0.8 cm is close and 3.2 cm is wide, so the north side is steeper.
- Ground distance: 0.8 × 25 000 = 20 000 cm = 200 m, and 3.2 × 25 000 = 80 000 cm = 800 m.
- Gradient: the north side rises 20 m in 200 m (1 in 10), and the south side rises 20 m in 800 m (1 in 40).
A written statement: “The north side of the hill is four times steeper than the south side, because the same 20 m rise happens over 200 m instead of 800 m.” The 4 comes from 800 ÷ 200.
Who should start where?
| If you… | Begin with |
|---|---|
| Confuse closeness of lines with height | Slope steepness lesson |
| Cannot tell hills from dips | Valley and ridge lesson |
| Lose marks drawing side views | Cross-section lesson |
| Write weak route answers | Route choice lesson |
The contour profile and slope reasoning trainer gives quick drills. Log each error in a mistake log.
For a teacher to go through contour maps with you, see online one-to-one Geography tuition.