Different countries use maps with topography and contour lines to show important geographic information. Here’s how they do it:

Understanding Topography

• Land Features: Topography shows how the land looks. This includes mountains, valleys, and flat areas. For example, Swiss maps show the steep Alps with special lines called contour lines.

What are Contour Lines?

• Height Changes: Contour lines are used to show points that are all at the same height on a map. If the lines are close together, it means the ground is steep. You can see this in maps of New Zealand, where the rough land is shown with tightly packed contour lines.

Examples from Different Countries

1. USA: National parks use contour lines to help hikers understand how high or low the paths are, making it easier for them to choose their trails.
2. Australia: Maps show contours across the Outback, highlighting large flat areas and sudden hills.

By using these mapping techniques, geographers help people understand the land better. This is very important for things like city planning, hiking, and studying the environment.