contour map

noun

1. a topographic map on which the shape of the land surface is shown by contour lines, the relative spacing of the lines indicating the relative slope of the surface.

contour map

1. A map that shows elevations above sea level and surface features of the land by means of contour lines.

Word History and Origins

Origin of contour map¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Viewing it in a large way, and reserving details for later consideration, we may compare it to a topographical contour map.

From Project Gutenberg

A contour map in colours such as Bartholomew's "half inch" is a great help in this matter.

From Project Gutenberg

We did not need the contour map to know that some of these heights exceeded Yosemite's.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a thin little man with a face as wrinkled as a contour map of South America.

From Project Gutenberg

Little ridges covered his countenance as if it had been a contour map of a mountainous country.

From Project Gutenberg