TOPIC - CONTOURING
Introduction:
• Contour survey is the process in which height or elevation of the different
points of the lands are identified and then fixed in the same horizontal
position. Contouring a surveying method that involves drawing lines to
represent the shape and elevation. Contour lines connect points on a equal
elevation to create a contour map.
DEFINITIONS
Contour line: the line intersection of a level surface
With the ground surface is known as the contour line.
Contour interval : the vertical distance between any two
consecutive contours is known as a contour interval.
Horizontal equipment: the horizontal distance between
any two consecutive contours is known as horizontal
equipment.
Uses of contour map:
The following are the specific uses of the contour map:
[Link] nature of the ground surface of a country can be understood by studying
a contour map. Hance, the possible route of communication between different
places can be demarcated.
2. A suitable site or an economical alignment can be selected for any
engineering project.
[Link] capacity of a reservoir or the area of a catchment can be approximately
computed.
4. The indivisibility or otherwise of different points can be established.
5. A suitable route for a given gradient can ne marked on the map.
[Link] of earth work can be approximately computed.
Characteristics of contours:
• The contour lines are closer near the top hill or high
ground and wide apart near the foot.
• The contour lines are closer near the bank of a pond or
depression and wide apart towards the centre.
• Uniformly spaced contour lines indicate a uniform slope.
• Contour lines always from a closed circuit .
• Contour lines cannot cross one other, except in the
case of an overhanging cliff.
Characteristics of contours:
• When the higher values are inside the loop,
it indicates a ridge line.
• When the lower values are inside the loop,
it indicates a valley line.
• A series of closed contour always indicates
a depression or summit.
• Depression between summits are called
saddles.
• Contour lines meeting at a point indicate
a vertical cliff.
Methods of contouring:
• There are two methods of contouring:
• Direct method of contouring.
• Indirect method of contouring.
Direct method of contouring:
This method is employed only for small area where superior accuracy
is demanded. The method of locating contours directly consists of horizontal
and vertical contour. The horizontal contour for a small area can be exercised
by a chain Or tape and a large area by compass, theodolite or plane table. For
vertical contour either a level and staff or a hand level may be used.
Direct method case1:
• When the area is oblong and cannot be controlled from a single station : in
this method, the various points on any contour are located on the ground
by taking levels. Then these points are marked by pegs. After this, points
are plotted on the map, to any suitable scale, by plane table. This method
is very slow and tedious. But it is gives any contour line.
Direct method case II:
• When the area is small and can be controlled from a single station
in this case, the method of redial lines is adopted to obtain
contour map. This is also very slow and tedious , but gives the
actual contour lines.
Indirect method of contours:
• Indirect method are less expensive, less time consuming and less tedious as
compared with the direct method. These method are commonly employed in
small scale survey of large area.
Indirect method figure:
Methods of contouring:
Direct method Indirect method
1. Most accurate but slow and [Link] so accurate but rapid and
tedious. less tedious.
2. Expensive. [Link]
3. During the work calculations 3. Calculations are not required
can be done in the field
4. Not suitable for hilly area 4. Suitable for hilly area
5. Calculation can not be 5. Calculation can be checked
checked after contouring. as and when required
Conclusion:
So by this it is clear by contouring a contour map plays a vital role
in for any type of engineering work. So it is important for us to gain
more knowledge in this field so as to serve in coming future.
Thank you