CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What feature is common in topographic maps?

1. Street maps of urban areas

2. Contour lines illustrating terrain elevation

3. Ownership and boundary details

4. Markers for navigational routes

The correct answer is: Contour lines illustrating terrain elevation

Topographic maps are distinct in their use of contour lines, which represent terrain elevation and depict the three-dimensional shape of the landscape in a two-dimensional format. These lines connect points of equal elevation, allowing users to visualize how steep or flat the terrain is, how valleys or mountains are laid out, and to understand the overall relief of the area. Contour intervals—differences in elevation between adjacent contour lines—provide additional insight into the degree of slope or steepness of the land, making it easier for users to interpret the landscape. This characteristic is fundamental to topographic maps, as they are primarily used for activities like hiking, planning construction, and conducting land surveys, where understanding the elevation and terrain configuration is essential.