Contour values are ________________ multiples of the contour interval.

Contour values are ________________ multiples of the contour interval.

• A. Whole number
• B. Decimal
• C. Fraction
• D. Exponential

Answer: (A)

Contours are drawn at a fixed step above a base elevation, so each line represents a base level plus an integer multiple of the contour interval. In other words, the elevation of every contour line is n times the interval (where n is a whole number, including zero and possibly negative if you go below the base). That’s why contour values are whole-number multiples of the interval. Decimals or fractions would imply non-integer steps, which isn’t how the lines are spaced. Exponential would imply changing spacing or growth, not a constant interval between lines.

Contours are drawn at a fixed step above a base elevation, so each line represents a base level plus an integer multiple of the contour interval. In other words, the elevation of every contour line is n times the interval (where n is a whole number, including zero and possibly negative if you go below the base). That’s why contour values are whole-number multiples of the interval.

Decimals or fractions would imply non-integer steps, which isn’t how the lines are spaced. Exponential would imply changing spacing or growth, not a constant interval between lines.