What does a contour line on a topographic map represent?

A contour line on a topographic map represents points of equal elevation. This means that every point on a given contour line is at the same altitude relative to sea level. By illustrating various elevations, contour lines help visualize the terrain's shape, such as hills, valleys, and slopes. Each line indicates a specific elevation, and the spacing between lines can also convey how steep or gentle the terrain is. If the lines are close together, the slope is steep; if they are spaced farther apart, the slope is gentler. Understanding contour lines is crucial for interpreting the landscape and is extensively utilized in fields like geology, land use planning, and outdoor navigation.