🕑 Reading time: 1 minute
Contents:
What is Contour Interval?
A contour interval in surveying is the vertical distance or the difference in the elevation between the two contour lines in a topographical map. Usually there are different contour intervals for the different maps. Considering the size of the area to be mapped, contour intervals are assumed. In every map, on the right-hand bottom side, the contour interval is specified. When the contour interval is not specified in the map, it can be calculated as explained in the following sections. The commonly used contour interval is 20 feet for a 1:24,000 map scale.![What is Contour Interval? Its Calculation and Uses in Surveying What is Contour Interval? Its Calculation and Uses in Surveying](https://test.theconstructor.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/contour-intervals.jpg)
Factors Affecting the Selection of Contour Interval
The selection of the contour interval is decided by the survey leader before the start of the mapping process depending upon the ground factors.Sl. No | Factors | Select High CI like 1m, 2m, 5m or more | Select Low CI like 0.5m, 0.25m, 0.1m or less |
1 | Scale of the map | For small scale maps covering a wide area of varying terrain | For large maps showing details of a small area |
2 | Extent of survey | For rough topographical map meant for initial assessment only | If a detailed map is to be prepared for execution work |
3 | Nature of ground | If the ground has large variation in levels, for instance, hills and ponds | If the terrain is comparatively level |
4 | Time and resources available | If less time and resources are available | If time and resources abundant |
How to Calculate Contour Interval from Maps?
A contour map consists of contour lines of a given geographical region. To keep the contour map simple and easy to read, not every contour line is marked with its elevation reading. These marked or labeled lines are known or termed as Index Contour Lines.![How to Calculate Contour Intervals from Maps? How to Calculate Contour Intervals from Maps?](https://test.theconstructor.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/contour-interval-map.jpg)
Step 1:
Firstly locate 2 index contour lines that are labeled with a specific elevation.Step 2:
Now calculate the difference between the two-selected index contour line selected from a map. To take the difference, subtract the higher elevated line with the lower elevated line reading.Step 3:
Now count the number of non-index lines contour lines between the 2 index contour lines selected for the contour interval calculating in the 1st step.Step 4:
The number of lines obtained in the above step is taken and added with 1. For Ex: If the number of lines between 2 index lines are 5. Then add 1 to 5 that becomes 6.Step 5:
the final step is the quotient of the difference between 2 index lines (step 2) and the number of lines in between two index lines plus 1 (step 5).Step 6:
The final answer we get after dividing is the contour interval of the specific topographical mapExample Calculation of Contour Intervals:
![Example Calculation of Contour Intervals Example Calculation of Contour Intervals](https://test.theconstructor.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/contour-interval-calculation.jpg)
Uses of Contour Intervals in Surveying
- When a large area is to be mapped in small piece of paper contour intervals are used. A higher contour interval is used for a large area and small contour interval for small area.
- In a large map, index contour lines are less to keep it simple to read the map easily. In this case, to find out the intermediate points elevation, contour intervals are used.
- Earthwork estimations for any type of structure like bridges, dams or roads can be found out with the help of contour intervals in a map.
S. No | Contour Interval | Horizontal Equivalent |
1 | It is based on vertical levels | Represents horizontal distance |
2 | No measurement or scaling is required since the contour levels are indicated on the contour lines | The distance must be measured on the map and converted to actual distance by multiplying with the scale of the map |
3 | In a given map the contour interval is a constant | The horizontal equivalent varies with slope. Closer distance indicates steep slope and wider distance gentle slope |