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Understanding Contour Lines

Learn how flat maps represent elevation using contour lines by comparing 3D terrain with its 2D contour map representation.

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About This MicroSim

Explore three different terrain types and see how contour lines represent them:

Hill: Concentric circles with the smallest circle at the peak

Valley: V-shaped contour lines that point uphill (upstream)

Ridge: Elongated contour lines running along the high ground

How to Use

  1. Select terrain type - Hill, Valley, or Ridge
  2. Drag the 3D view - Rotate to see terrain from different angles
  3. Toggle Labels - Show/hide elevation numbers on contour lines
  4. Quiz Me! - Test your understanding of contour patterns

Key Concepts Demonstrated

  • Contour lines connect points of equal elevation
  • Closer contour lines indicate steeper slopes
  • The contour interval is the elevation change between lines
  • V-shapes in contours point upstream in valleys
  • Concentric circles often indicate hills or depressions

Lesson Plan

Learning Objective: Students will interpret contour lines to describe terrain features and slope steepness.

Bloom's Taxonomy Level: Understand/Apply (L2/L3)

Activities:

  1. Explore Hills (4 min): Rotate the 3D view and notice how circular contours represent the hill
  2. Compare Terrain (5 min): Switch between Hill, Valley, and Ridge to compare contour patterns
  3. Predict (3 min): Before switching terrain types, predict what the contour map will look like
  4. Quiz (6 min): Answer 6 questions about reading contour lines

Technical Notes

  • Built with p5.js
  • Custom isometric 3D rendering
  • Interactive rotation via mouse drag
  • Canvas-based controls
  • Topographic Maps
  • Elevation
  • Slope
  • Relief Maps