What do closely spaced contour lines on a map indicate?

Closely spaced contour lines on a map are indicative of steep terrain. Contour lines represent elevation and the shape of the land, with each line connecting points of equal elevation. When these lines are close together, they signify that there is a rapid change in elevation over a short horizontal distance. This indicates that the slope of the terrain is steep, as you would need to ascend or descend a significant amount of elevation within a small area.

In contrast, when contour lines are spaced farther apart, it suggests that the terrain is more gradual or flat, where changes in elevation occur over longer distances. Understanding how to read contour lines is essential for navigation and terrain analysis, especially in search and rescue operations where the nature of the landscape directly affects the approach and tactics used.