What do contour intervals on a topographic map represent?

Contour intervals on a topographic map represent changes in elevation. Contour lines connect points of equal elevation, with the spacing between these lines indicating the steepness of the terrain. A closer spacing of contour lines denotes a steep slope, while wider spacing indicates a gentler slope. Understanding contour intervals is essential for interpreting the three-dimensional shape of the land in a two-dimensional format. Each interval represents a specific vertical distance change, allowing users to gauge how elevation changes over a given horizontal distance across the mapped area. This foundational knowledge is critical for various applications, including navigation, land use planning, and environmental assessment.