What are the lines on a topographic map?

Lines on a topographic map, known as contour lines, represent elevation and the shape of the terrain. Each line connects points of equal elevation, indicating how steep or gentle the slope is; closely spaced lines signify steep areas, while lines that are farther apart indicate gentler slopes. Additionally, contour lines can form closed loops, which typically represent hills or depressions. These maps help users visualize the three-dimensional landscape in a two-dimensional format.