Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

Contour lines are a crucial element in topographic maps, as they represent points of equal surface elevations. They connect points that are the same height above a reference level, such as sea level. This makes it easier to visualize the terrain's shape and understand how elevation changes across a landscape. By following these lines, one can determine the slope of the land; when contour lines are close together, it indicates a steep area, while lines that are spaced further apart suggest a gentle slope.

In contrast, the other options refer to different geographical or environmental aspects that do not relate directly to elevation. While lines connecting areas of different land usage, soil types, or boundaries of water bodies provide valuable information about land characteristics, they do not specifically illustrate elevation changes, which is the primary function of contour lines.