What does it mean if a contour line is dashed on a map?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Road Scholar Exam with engaging quizzes, interactive maps, and real-world challenges. Boost your spatial awareness and critical thinking skills for the upcoming exam!

Multiple Choice

What does it mean if a contour line is dashed on a map?

Contour lines connect points that share the same elevation. A dashed contour line means that the elevation along that line is approximate or not precisely known—the line is often interpolated from nearby measured elevations rather than drawn from a direct measurement at every point. It tells you to treat that height as a best guess rather than an exact value. Lines for boundaries or roads use different map symbols, so they aren’t indicated by dashed contour styling.

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