What do contour lines on a topographical map represent?

Contour lines on a topographical map are used to represent elevation above sea level. These lines connect points of equal elevation, allowing viewers to visualize the terrain's shape and gradient. When contour lines are close together, it indicates a steep slope, while spaced-out lines reflect a gentler incline. This information is crucial for understanding the landscape, planning construction, guiding hikers, or studying landforms in various fields such as geography, geology, and environmental science. The representation of elevation is fundamental, as it helps clarify the relationship between landform and topography, providing insight into natural features.